In the 2025 Calgary mayoral election, former Ward 11 councillor Jeromy Farkas narrowly defeated Communities First leader Sonya Sharp by less than a percentage point as per unofficial results. Sharp has indicated her intention to request a recount following the announcement on Tuesday. After a close competition through the night, Farkas secured 91,068 votes, edging out Sharp who received 90,484 votes. The difference between the two candidates is less than 600 votes. According to the city’s returning officer Kate Martin, if the margin is within half a percentage point of the total number of mayoral ballots at a specific polling station, a recount can be sought for that station under provincial law.
The preliminary city-wide results reveal that the disparity between Farkas and Sharp amounts to approximately 0.17% of the total 348,626 ballots cast. Sharp stated in a media release that she will formally request a recount in line with the legislation. She emphasized that the request is not a critique of the diligent efforts of election workers but a precautionary measure to verify the accuracy of the count due to the extremely narrow margin.
If the current figures are upheld, Farkas is poised to become Calgary’s 38th mayor and the first to unseat an incumbent mayor since 1980. In a statement outside city hall on Tuesday, Farkas expressed gratitude to Jyoti Gondek for her service as mayor, acknowledging her contributions to the city. He emphasized his commitment to collaborating with individuals across the political spectrum for the betterment of Calgary, focusing on issues such as safety and affordability.
The election saw a decrease in voter turnout, with reports of extended queues, indicating a potential record low turnout. Final unofficial voter turnout figures are anticipated to be disclosed on Tuesday evening. Farkas, who finished as the runner-up in the 2021 race, highlighted his candidacy as a response to what he perceived as a disconnected council, particularly on matters concerning jobs, housing, and safety. Notably, this municipal election allowed party affiliations on the local ballot for the first time, prompting Farkas to run as an independent candidate.
Sharp, running under the Communities First banner, campaigned on public safety and infrastructure enhancements, pledging to recruit an additional 500 police officers. Gondek, like Farkas, opted out of the party system and secured third place in the election. With numerous incumbents not seeking reelection, Farkas will be returning to council alongside at least eight new councillors. The composition of the new council will be fully disclosed later on Tuesday as the counting process is manual following the provincial government’s prohibition of electronic vote tabulators in 2024.
Farkas, a Calgary native hailing from Dover, holds a political science degree from the University of Calgary and previously served as a senior fellow at the Manning Centre. His diverse background includes a stint as CEO of the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, where he learned the importance of fostering collaboration among diverse groups. Farkas emphasized a commitment to setting aside ideological differences and focusing on practical outcomes, particularly related to safety and affordability.
Gondek, who triumphed over 26 contenders in 2021 to become Calgary’s first female mayor, graciously conceded the 2025 race at a campaign gathering, expressing pride in the accomplishments of her campaign and gratitude for the opportunity to serve the city. Davison, who finished fourth in the election, extended his thanks to supporters and Gondek for her service, urging the new city council to engage with constituents constructively.
Brian Thiessen, representing The Calgary Party and placing fifth in the mayoral race, highlighted the importance of prioritizing the interests of Calgarians at city hall and pledged to continue advocating for safer communities and responsive governance. Results for successful city council candidates are anticipated later on Tuesday, with trustee ballots to be counted subsequently. Readers can track the evolving results in the city council and school trustee races as they unfold.