In one of Calgary’s closest elections in decades, Jeromy Farkas has narrowly defeated Sonya Sharp to become the city’s next mayor.
Unofficial results released early Tuesday morning show Farkas received 91,065 votes, edging out Sharp, who garnered 90,480 — a difference of fewer than 600 ballots. The razor-thin margin, just 0.17% of the 348,626 votes cast, means Sharp is eligible to request a recount under Alberta’s election laws.
If confirmed, Farkas will become Calgary’s 38th mayor — and the first challenger to unseat an incumbent since 1980. The former Ward 11 councillor and longtime conservative voice campaigned on fiscal discipline, community safety, and restoring transparency at city hall.
Outgoing Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who made history in 2021 as Calgary’s first female mayor, conceded late Monday night. Speaking to supporters at the Palomino Smokehouse, she said:
“This didn’t end up the way we had hoped, but I’m proud of what we’ve built and grateful for the privilege of serving this incredible city.”
Brian Thiessen, former chair of the Calgary Police Commission and leader of The Calgary Party, also conceded, saying his campaign helped “build something real — a movement to put Calgarians first.”
Successful city councillor candidates are expected to be confirmed later Tuesday, with school trustee results to follow.
As the city awaits official certification, Calgary’s political landscape faces a new chapter — one shaped by tight margins, high voter engagement, and renewed debate over the city’s direction under Mayor-elect Jeromy Farkas.
