Calgary’s Election Crossroads: A City Ready for Change

Calgary’s 2025 municipal election is shaping up as one of the city’s most unpredictable races in decades. With nearly 60% of residents believing the city’s on the “wrong track,” this campaign feels less like a choice between candidates and more like a referendum on the last four years of city governance. Incumbent Mayor Jyoti Gondek faces low approval numbers—just 36% among those aware of her—and widespread dissatisfaction has created fertile ground for challengers like Jeromy Farkas, Sonya Sharp, and Jeff Davison. Despite nine candidates running, polls show a tight three-way contest. Farkas leads narrowly, but a massive 30%-plus of Calgarians remain undecided. The volatility means this election could swing in any direction right up until October 20. Low voter turnout adds another wrinkle—advance polls suggest engagement may sink near record lows. In such conditions, organized campaign machines (like those backed by new political parties) can hold outsized influence. For Calgarians, this is more than just another election—it’s a test of civic engagement. The winner may not have a clear majority but will inherit a city hungry for leadership, stability, and fiscal clarity.