The numbers are in — again. After a week of uncertainty and political buzz, Elections Calgary has confirmed Jeromy Farkas as Calgary’s new mayor following a full recount of ballots from the October 20 municipal election.
The recount, conducted on October 27 at the request of Communities First candidate Sonya Sharp, slightly widened Farkas’ margin of victory. Official results now show Farkas winning by 616 votes, up from the initial 581-vote difference reported on election night.
Out of 348,865 ballots cast, Farkas received 91,112 votes, while Sharp finished close behind with 90,496. Eight candidates competed in the mayoral race, which saw a modest voter turnout of 39 per cent.
“It’s clear that Jeromy Farkas did win,” said Lori Williams, associate professor of policy studies at Mount Royal University. “Although the margin is small, it’s a definitive result — and that confirmation matters.”
In a statement following the recount, Farkas thanked Elections Calgary and the volunteers who oversaw the process, calling it an important part of democracy. He also expressed gratitude to his supporters and extended congratulations to Sharp for what he described as a “strong and spirited campaign.”
“The past week has been filled with the work of building a strong City Council team to get things done for Calgarians,” Farkas said.
Sharp’s campaign has not yet issued an official response, but her team indicated a statement is expected later this week.
Farkas, an independent candidate and former Ward 11 councillor, becomes Calgary’s 38th mayor. He will be sworn in alongside the newly elected 14-member council — which includes four returning councillors and ten newcomers — at City Hall on October 29 at 6 p.m.
Despite his narrow win, observers say Farkas faces the challenge of uniting a city divided by close margins and low voter engagement.
“He was chosen by just over 10 per cent of eligible voters,” noted Williams. “His first task will be to connect with the many Calgarians who didn’t cast a ballot and build trust across the spectrum.”
As the city prepares for a new term, all eyes will be on how the Farkas administration defines its early priorities — and whether this razor-thin victory can turn into broad public support.
