“After a double loss at the ballot box, Mayor Ken Sim says it’s time for his party to look inward—and listen harder.”
Voters Send a Message as ABC Vancouver Takes a Hit in Council Byelection
In a weekend byelection that drew long lines and strong opinions, Vancouver voters sent a stinging message to Mayor Ken Sim’s ABC Vancouver party—delivering a decisive win to opposition candidates and prompting calls for introspection from city leadership.
Despite holding a supermajority going into the vote, ABC’s two candidates—Jamie Stein and Ralph Kaisers—finished outside the top five, landing sixth and seventh, with just over 13% of the vote each.
Victors Sean Orr (COPE) and Lucy Maloney (OneCity) secured nearly 50% of the vote apiece—doubling their nearest challenger in a strong rebuke of ABC’s recent direction on housing, affordability, and transparency.
Mayor Sim Responds: “We Can Do Better”
Speaking to media after the result, Sim maintained he had “no regrets” about the candidates chosen but acknowledged the results reflected a disconnect between the party’s vision and public sentiment.
“Obviously, regardless of how we feel or the accomplishments we have made, there are people in the city that don’t feel that way,”
said Sim.
“We’re taking a really hard look as to why—and what we can do to be better.”
Sim also committed to reassessing recent decisions that drew controversy, including ABC’s shifting stance on abolishing the Park Board, restricting the integrity commissioner’s role, and efforts to roll back the natural gas ban in new buildings.
Orr & Maloney: “Voters Are Tired of Not Being Heard”
Newly elected councillors Orr and Maloney interpreted their wins as a signal that residents want stronger action on homelessness, housing, and accountability—and feel left behind by the current council majority.
While the results don’t tip the balance of power (ABC still maintains a slim one-vote majority), the symbolic blow may have lasting ripple effects on council discussions ahead of the 2026 municipal election.
Record Turnout, Rough Execution
Despite low overall voter turnout (15%), this byelection marked a 40% increase from 2017, driven by mounting dissatisfaction and a push for change.
However, long lineups and administrative chaos at polling stations drew sharp criticism—and a public apology from Vancouver city manager Paul Mochrie.
“Voting wait times were unacceptable,” Mochrie admitted, calling it a planning failure and promising improvements before the 2026 election.
What’s Next for ABC Vancouver?
With trust shaken and public frustration mounting, Mayor Sim and his team are now faced with a critical choice: double down on their current path—or course-correct based on the ballot box message.
For now, Sim says he’s open to collaboration, values “diversity of thought,” and intends to reach out to newly elected councillors.
But voters will be watching closely.
Maple News Wire will continue tracking Vancouver’s shifting political landscape and the decisions that shape your city’s future.
