When the polls closed in South Surrey–White Rock, few could have predicted the outcome. Yet as vote counts rolled in late into the night, the story became undeniable: longtime Conservative MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay was out, and Gordie Hogg was headed back to Ottawa under the Liberal banner.
This was not a close call or a recount situation. Hogg secured 14,369 votes (47.5%), while Findlay trailed with 12,752 (42.1%) — a decisive victory that marked a dramatic turn in one of B.C.’s most reliably conservative ridings.
So what happened?
A Campaign Built on Assumptions
Findlay entered the race with confidence — perhaps too much of it. As a seasoned politician, she focused her messaging on experience, stability, and party loyalty. But critics noted a lack of connection to the most pressing concerns of voters: affordability, healthcare, and Canada’s rocky relationship with the U.S.
“She seemed to assume people would vote Conservative out of habit,” said Mark Iqbal, a political strategist in the Lower Mainland. “But this election wasn’t about history — it was about anxiety and who could offer solutions.”
A Challenger With Local Clout
Gordie Hogg was no political newcomer. A former mayor of White Rock, provincial MLA, and one-term Liberal MP, he brought name recognition and a long-standing presence in the community. He used that familiarity to reconnect with residents, running a grassroots campaign that emphasized listening sessions, local priorities, and national sovereignty.
“People are tired of being overlooked,” Hogg said in his victory speech. “They want a representative who speaks to them, not at them.”
Changing Demographics and National Mood
The riding of South Surrey–White Rock has been changing. New developments, rising diversity, and younger families have altered the political makeup. Nationally, the election was defined by widespread concern over economic instability and U.S. interference in Canadian affairs — both of which hurt the Conservatives, who struggled to articulate a clear response.
Trump’s aggressive stance toward Canada, including threats of annexation and punitive tariffs, became a key issue. Hogg leaned into it, while Findlay often appeared to dodge questions about it or echo party lines without clarity.
The Voter Verdict
Early polling suggested a tight race, but the final numbers tell a different story. Hogg managed to unite Liberal loyalists, win over undecided voters, and peel off moderate conservatives disillusioned with Poilievre’s populist tilt. Meanwhile, support for Findlay plateaued.
“I wasn’t thrilled about voting Liberal,” said Raj Bhullar, a first-time voter. “But Kerry-Lynne felt disconnected. Hogg actually showed up and listened.”
The Road Ahead
As Kerry-Lynne Findlay reflects on a political career that spanned several elections and ministerial roles, her defeat stands as a reminder that no seat is truly safe — and that even the most seasoned candidates must evolve with their communities.
South Surrey–White Rock has turned a new page. Whether it remains open to the Liberals in future elections remains to be seen. But for now, the voters have made their message clear.
