Alberta Votes '25: Mayors Defeated Across Alberta

Voters across Alberta sent a powerful message during last night’s municipal elections, as a wave of incumbent mayors were swept from office in a series of stunning upsets that spanned from Calgary to the smallest prairie towns.

In total, more than a dozen sitting mayors were defeated, marking one of the most significant turnovers in recent municipal memory.

The most high-profile loss came in Calgary, where Jyoti Gondek was defeated by Jeromy Farkas after a hard-fought campaign that reignited the city’s political energy.

Further north, Lacombe also saw a surprise result, with Mayor Grant Creasey losing to Councillor Thalia Hibbs, while in Wetaskiwin, Tyler Gandam fell to Joe Branco.

Across Alberta’s small towns, incumbents faced strong challenges from within their own councils.

In Barrhead, Dave McKenzie was unseated by Councillor Ty Assaf, while in Bentley, Greg Rathjen lost to Councillor Pamela Hansen. Blackfalds voters also opted for change, electing Councillor Laura Svab over Mayor Jamie Hoover.

Peace River followed a similar pattern, with Councillor Shelly Marie Shannon defeating Elaine Manzer, and Smoky Lake residents choosing Councillor Marianne Prockiw-Zarusky over Amy Cherniwchan.

In Valleyview, Vern Lymburner lost to newcomer Glenn Burke, ending an era of leadership in the northwest town.

Even in traditionally stable communities, voters signalled they were ready for new voices. Hinton’s Nicholas Nissen was defeated by Councillor Brian LaBerge, and in Rocky Mountain House, Councillor Shane Boniface unseated Len Philips.

The wave extended to Mayerthorpe, where Janet Jabush fell to Allen Malcolm, and to Beaumont, where former mayor Bill Daneluik—who ran again while seeking a council seat, was not successful in his bid or another term around the council table. Daneluik will be replaced by by Lisa Vanderkwaak, a well-known community advocate.

Across the province, this election or some municipalities marked a shift toward new leadership. Many of the newly elected mayors are current councillors, signalling a desire for change without abandoning local experience. With long-time incumbents stepping aside or being unseated, a new generation of mayors will now take the reins of Alberta’s municipalities.