Jyoti Gondek, who defeated 26 challengers in 2021 to become the first female mayor in the city’s history, conceded the 2025 mayoral race at a campaign party at the Palomino Smokehouse in Calgary shortly before midnight Monday.
“This didn’t end up the way that we had all hoped, but I’m standing here very proud of what we have built together, and I’m profoundly grateful for the privilege of having served this incredible city, the best city in the world,” Gondek told supporters.
As of 1 a.m. Tuesday, mayoral candidates Jeromy Farkas and Sonya Sharp were neck-and-neck, separated by less than a percentage point.
A recount would be necessary should the two front-finishers be separated by less than 0.5 per cent.
Jyoti Gondek concedes in Calgary’s mayor race
In addition to Gondek, Brian Thiessen, former chair of the Calgary Police Commission and mayoral candidate with The Calgary Party, also conceded the race.
In a statement, he wrote that while the results weren’t what he had hoped for, the party had “built something real: a movement of citizens who believe city hall must put Calgarians first.”
“The work doesn’t stop here,” Thiessen added. “Our team will keep pushing for the same ideas we championed throughout this campaign, including safer communities, housing, and a city hall that listens.”
Successful city councillor candidates are expected to be announced by Tuesday afternoon while results in the school trustee elections are expected later Tuesday.
Follow results — as they roll in — in the races for mayor, city council and school trustee here.
