Jeromy Farkas, Calgary’s new mayor, unveils vision for city, including repeal of blanket rezoning

Jeromy Farkas was elected Calgary's new mayor by a razor-thin margin, and Tuesday there was a call for a recount from his closest rival.

Jeromy Farkas spoke about safety, affordability and a cohesive council while delivering a speech to Calgarians on Tuesday.

Farkas is Calgary’s mayor-elect, according to unofficial results from the 2025 municipal election.

(Election results aren’t expected to be officially verified until 12 p.m. on Friday, according to the Elections Calgary website.)

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Farkas, a former councillor, narrowly beat out Communities First leader Sonya Sharp in a neck-and-neck race that saw Farkas finish with 91,068 votes and Sharp end with 90,484.

Sharp has indicated she will request a recount.

Incumbent Jyoti Gondek finished with 71,399 votes.

On Tuesday, Farkas thanked Gondek for her service.

“A short while ago, I was able to speak with Mayor Gondek,” Farkas said. “She’s given so much to Calgary and I look forward to building on that work.”

Say goodbye to blanket rezoning

Farkas’s election campaign included a focus on repealing Calgary’s blanket rezoning, something he says he wants to begin “as soon as possible.”

“We’re going to be starting the initial conversations about the mechanics of that with the incoming council,” he said. “But it’s very important to also focus on the replacement approach.”

“It’s so crucial as Calgary continues to grow to be a city of two million people, that we still have the adequate housing, services and infrastructure.”

‘Positive, optimistic vision’

Farkas says he has a “positive, optimistic vision” for Calgary.

“At the end of the day, we all love this city – and that’s what unites us,” he said.

“To every single Calgarian, my promise to you is simple: I will listen first, I will lead with integrity, and I will never forget who I work for – you, the people of Calgary.

“Whether you voted for me or not, I will be your mayor. I will listen to you and stand up for you every single day.”

Not part of a political party

Farkas ran as an independent, with no affiliation with any political parties.

“Starting today, I’ll begin the work of bringing the new city council together. United, focused and ready to serve,” he said Tuesday.

“We all want the same things: safety, affordability, opportunity – those aren’t left-wing ideas or right-wing ideas; they’re Calgary ideas.

“At city hall, there’s no left, no right – only forward, only together.”

Quarterback and coach

With a potential for Calgary’s newest council to be comprised largely of newcomers, Farkas is one of few with previous political experience.

“Our next mayor is not going to have to be just the quarterback, they’re also going to have to be the coach, the mentor, the captain, so I’m very committed to working alongside this new council,” he said. “I’m so grateful to be in this position because I feel like I can offer a lot to the incoming city councillors.”

“I’m very committed, as Calgary’s next mayor, to take their ideas and champion them, to be able to support them, provide them mentorship.”

Collaboration with province, feds

While Farkas says he wants to work collaboratively with both the federal government and the provincial government, ultimately his mandate is to do what’s best for Calgarians.

“At the end of the day, Calgary is Alberta’s largest municipality. When Calgary succeeds, Alberta succeeds, and I know that is a message that the premier hears loud and clear,” he said.

“My job as mayor is to report to Calgarians exclusively.”