Jyoti Gondek concedes the 2025 Calgary mayoral race as Jeromy Farkas and Sonya Sharp remain nearly tied while final ballots are counted.
Gondek Steps Aside in Calgary’s Cliffhanger Mayoral Contest
A Historic Concession
Jyoti Gondek, who made history in 2021 as Calgary’s first female mayor, conceded the 2025 mayoral race late Monday night at her campaign event inside the Palomino Smokehouse. Her announcement came as the final votes were still being tallied in one of the city’s tightest municipal races in decades.
“This didn’t end up the way that we had all hoped,” Gondek told supporters shortly before midnight. “But I’m proud of what we built together and grateful for the privilege of serving this incredible city.”
Two Front-Runners Locked in a Dead Heat
As of 1 a.m. Tuesday, unofficial results showed Jeromy Farkas and Sonya Sharp virtually tied, separated by less than a single percentage point. The razor-thin gap could trigger an automatic recount under Elections Calgary rules if the final difference is under 0.5 per cent.
The ongoing count reflects a divided electorate and heightened interest in municipal priorities such as housing affordability, safety, and downtown renewal.
Other Candidates Respond
Brian Thiessen, former chair of the Calgary Police Commission and a candidate representing The Calgary Party, also conceded Monday evening. In a written statement, he thanked his campaign team and voters, saying the movement had “built something real — a coalition of citizens who believe city hall must put Calgarians first.”
Thiessen added that his team would continue advocating for “safer communities, better housing options, and a city hall that listens.”
A Night of Uncertainty for Calgary
The municipal election saw a strong voter turnout across Calgary’s 14 wards. Election officials confirmed that final tabulations of mail-in and advance ballots would continue into Tuesday morning.
Successful city-council candidates are expected to be announced by Tuesday afternoon, while school-trustee race results are anticipated later in the day.
What Happens Next
A recount remains possible if the vote margin between Farkas and Sharp remains narrow once all ballots are verified. Official results are expected by the end of the week.
Regardless of the outcome, Monday’s concession marks the end of an era for Gondek, who guided Calgary through the pandemic recovery and key housing debates during her tenure.
The new mayor will inherit a city grappling with rapid growth, affordability pressures, and an evolving downtown core — priorities that defined the 2025 campaign from start to finish.
