Jeromy Farkas Triumphs in Tight Calgary Mayoral Race!
Calgary has a new mayor! In a nail-biting finish on October 20, 2025, Jeromy Farkas secured the mayoral seat, narrowly defeating Sonya Sharp and unseating incumbent Mayor Jyoti Gondek. The race was incredibly close, with fewer than 600 votes separating Farkas and Sharp when all ballots were tallied. This pivotal moment signals a fresh direction for the city, with Calgarians eager to see how Farkas tackles pressing local issues.
Farkas's campaign focused heavily on housing and transit, two areas of significant concern for residents. Calgary's housing market has seen median home prices increase by 13% in 2024, with average rents climbing nearly 10% year-over-year, leaving one in five households struggling with affordability. Experts predict continued price growth, albeit at a slower pace in 2025, as population growth outpaces supply. Farkas has pledged to address this by working with non-profits and private partners to develop affordable housing, particularly near LRT stations. This approach could be key as Calgary looks to add another 110,000 residents in the next four years.
On the transit front, Calgary Transit is grappling with growing ridership that has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, alongside a projected $33 million revenue shortfall for 2025. Despite recent service increases on CTrain lines, many parts of the city remain underserved, and crowded buses are a common frustration for commuters. Farkas supports advancing the Green Line LRT and aims for a more modern, comprehensive transportation network, including improved bus service, bike lanes, and coordinated traffic signals. He is also a long-time advocate for Calgary's low-income transit pass.
Farkas's victory, coming after a previous mayoral bid in 2021, marks a notable shift in the city's political landscape. His platform, which also emphasizes public safety and fiscal accountability, aims to unify various perspectives to foster a more vibrant business community and ease the burden on taxpayers. As Calgary embraces this new leadership, residents will be watching closely to see how these promises translate into tangible improvements for their daily lives.