🗳️ Calgary 2025 Mayoral Election: A Comparative Analysis of Leading Candidates

As Calgary approaches its October 2025 municipal election, voters face important decisions about the city's future direction. With multiple candidates offering distinct visions for Calgary's governance, understanding each platform's strengths and challenges is essential for informed voting.

The Competitive Landscape

Recent polling shows a dynamic race with Jeromy Farkas leading at 16–34%, Jyoti Gondek at 14–16%, Sonya Sharp at 10–17%, and Jeff Davison at 8–14%. Notably, 27–46% of voters remain undecided, suggesting significant potential for late-campaign shifts.

Candidate Analysis

Jyoti Gondek — Incumbent Mayor

Platform: Green Line LRT, public safety investment, infrastructure renewal

Strengths:

• Executive experience navigating post‑pandemic recovery and economic challenges
• Advanced the Green Line project despite provincial funding complexities
• Championed equity‑focused policies and diverse community engagement
• Independent governance approach, rejecting municipal party structures

Challenges:

• Approval ratings have declined from ~40% (2021) to mid‑teens (2025)
• Faces criticism over property tax increases and downtown revitalization pace
• Public perception of “wrong track” direction poses re‑election hurdle
• Must demonstrate measurable progress on affordability and safety concerns

Jeromy Farkas — Former Ward 11 Councillor

Platform: Housing affordability, job creation, public safety, fiscal restraint

Strengths:

• Strong name recognition and consolidated conservative support
• Retains 60% of his 2021 voter base while gaining Gondek/Davison supporters
• Clear messaging on fiscal responsibility and core service priorities
• Leadership capacity via Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation CEO experience

Challenges:

• Previous council tenure marked by limited consensus‑building
• Position evolution on major issues like rezoning requires clarification
• Must demonstrate ability to work collaboratively with diverse council
• Campaign transparency on donor relationships needs enhancement

Sonya Sharp — Ward 1 Councillor

Platform: Cut red tape, public safety enhancement, provincial relationship rebuilding

Strengths:

• Endorsement from Calgary Police Association signals law enforcement support
• Strong community‑level governance experience
• Clear stance on protecting neighborhood character and local autonomy
• Business management background brings operational expertise

Challenges:

• Opposition to blanket rezoning may conflict with housing affordability goals
• Communities First Party affiliation raises questions about partisan influence
• Limited track record on city‑wide strategic initiatives
• Needs a clear vision for downtown revitalization and economic growth

Jeff Davison — Former Ward 6 Councillor

Platform: Four‑year tax freeze, fiscal responsibility, Flames arena deal

Strengths:

• Demonstrated council experience and relationship‑building skills
• Support from business community (A Better Calgary endorsement)
• Healthcare sector leadership as Prostate Cancer Centre CEO
• Pragmatic approach to major infrastructure projects

Challenges:

• Polling momentum hasn’t matched early campaign expectations
• Must differentiate from other conservative‑leaning candidates
• Tax freeze proposal requires detailed implementation plan
• Needs to clarify position on density and housing supply

Brian Thiessen — Employment Lawyer

Platform: Housing availability, community policing, transit improvements

Strengths:

• Legal expertise applicable to municipal governance
• Police Commission chair experience shows civic engagement
• Appeal to centrist voters: socially progressive, fiscally conservative
• Fresh perspective as a newcomer

Challenges:

• Limited executive or large‑organization management experience
• Platform specifics require further development and costing
• Must show grasp of complex municipal operations
• Lower name recognition than established candidates

Key Issues Shaping the Race

1. Property Taxes & Affordability. Approaches vary widely; feasibility and service trade‑offs matter.
2. Public Safety. Range from increased policing to prevention; evaluate evidence and budgets.
3. Housing & Development. Deep divisions on blanket rezoning; balance supply with character.
4. Green Line LRT. Alignment choices have cost/timeline impacts; inter‑governmental relations key.
5. Governance Style. Experience vs change; independence vs party‑backed organization.

Questions Voters Should Ask

• Track Record: What measurable achievements show leadership?
• Vision: Is there a compelling 10‑year plan for Calgary?
• Collaboration: Can they build consensus with a diverse council?
• Transparency: Are finances and endorsements fully disclosed?
• Expertise: Do they understand municipal operations?
• Values Alignment: Do their priorities match yours?

The Undecided Vote: The Election’s Kingmaker

With up to 46% of voters still undecided, the final weeks will be crucial. This historically high undecided rate suggests careful evaluation, late‑breaking shifts, and the decisive role of ground game and mobilization.

Conclusion

Calgary’s 2025 mayoral election offers genuine choices. Rather than a referendum on one figure, voters should assess each platform’s feasibility and alignment with their vision for Calgary. Engaged, policy‑focused voters will determine the outcome.

Voter Resources

• City of Calgary Elections: calgary.ca/elections
• Candidate Platforms: Review detailed positions on the city website
• All‑Candidates Forums: Check community association schedules
• Election Day: October 20, 2025