Former Ward 11 councilor Jeromy Farkas has won a close victory over Communities First leader Sonya Sharp by a margin of less than one percent in the unofficial results of the 2025 Calgary mayoral election. Sharp has announced her intention to request a recount following the tight race. The city’s data shows Farkas received 91,068 votes, while Sharp garnered 90,484 votes, with fewer than 600 votes separating the two candidates. According to the city’s returning officer Kate Martin, provincial law allows for a recount if the results are within half a percentage point of the total number of ballots cast for mayor at a specific polling station. The city-wide difference between Farkas and Sharp stands at approximately 0.17% of the total 348,626 votes cast.
In a statement to the media, Sharp highlighted the challenges faced by election workers, emphasizing the need for a recount to ensure accuracy due to the narrow margin of victory. If confirmed, Farkas would become Calgary’s 38th mayor and the first to unseat an incumbent mayor since 1980. Farkas expressed gratitude towards outgoing Mayor Jyoti Gondek for her service and pledged to continue building on her efforts. He emphasized his commitment to working with individuals across the political spectrum to address key issues such as safety and affordability.
The election witnessed a decrease in voter turnout, with reports of long lines at polling stations. Farkas, who previously ran for mayor in 2021 and lost to Gondek, positioned himself as an independent candidate challenging the existing council’s approach to critical matters like jobs, housing, and safety. Sharp, the candidate from the Communities First party, focused her campaign on public safety and infrastructure improvements, including plans to recruit additional police officers. Gondek, who also ran independently, finished third in the race.
As the new council takes shape, with several incumbents not seeking re-election, the full composition will be determined later on Tuesday as manual vote counting proceeds. Farkas, known for his previous council tenure and community involvement, has emphasized the importance of collaboration and practical results in his approach as the upcoming mayor. His evolution on various issues has been a subject of discussion among fellow candidates, with Farkas highlighting the importance of adapting to new information and changing circumstances.
Gondek, the incumbent mayor, gracefully conceded the race, expressing pride in the accomplishments achieved together with her supporters and optimism for Calgary’s future. Other candidates, including Davison and Thiessen, thanked their supporters and acknowledged the new leadership, urging unity and engagement with the community moving forward. The final results for city council and school trustee positions are expected to be announced soon, with ongoing updates available for those following the election outcomes.