Discover Why Four Calgary Mayoral Candidates Have Entered the Race

Calgary’s upcoming municipal election is heating up with five key candidates competing for the mayoral position. This election marks an important moment for the city as various perspectives are represented by both major contenders and lesser-known hopefuls.

Calgary Mayoral Candidates Overview

• Jyoti Gondek: Incumbent candidate seeking re-election.
• Sonya Sharp: Outgoing Ward 1 councillor and a notable contender.
• Jeromy Farkas: Former city councillor who previously ran for mayor in 2021.
• Jeff Davison: Another past city councillor with prior experience in the mayoral race.
• Brian Thiessen: Former chair of the police commission.

Additional Candidates

Aside from the frontrunners, four other candidates are also on the ballot:

• Sarah Elder: Local business owner advocating for greater family safety.
• Grant Prior: Oil and gas worker focused on the needs of the working class.
• Jaeger Gustafson: Acupuncture clinic owner promoting consultations across communities.
• Larry R. Heather: Long-time candidate with a focus on Christian values in governance.

Campaign Themes and Issues

The candidates are bringing various issues to the forefront of their campaigns. Public safety, economic equity, and local representation are recurrent themes.

Sarah Elder’s Vision

With extensive political experience, Sarah Elder emphasizes the importance of safety for families and children in Calgary. She aims to improve public safety by ensuring that municipal policies prioritize child safety. Elder opposes blanket rezoning, suggesting a tailored approach to urban development tailored to community needs.

Grant Prior’s Focus on Working-Class Concerns

Grant Prior has entered the race to provide a voice for working-class Calgarians. Drawing from his 18 years in the oil and gas industry, he is concerned about wealth inequality and housing accessibility for younger generations. He advocates for tax reforms that would relieve small businesses while increasing revenues from larger corporations.

Jaeger Gustafson’s Representation for Communities

Jaeger Gustafson bases his campaign on the need for more community consultations. He proposes adding committees to ensure citizens have a say in local governance. His platform includes hiring more police and fire personnel to enhance public safety and city resilience.

Larry R. Heather’s Traditional Values Approach

Larry R. Heather brings a different angle, aiming to integrate Christian principles into local governance. He advocates for measures including a Christian prayer at city council meetings and has run for mayor consistently since 2013, though his support has waned over time.

Looking Ahead to the Election

As the municipal election approaches, each candidate is working to communicate their vision to the electorate. The diversity of perspectives in this mayoral race highlights the concerns of various community segments in Calgary.