Jeromy Farkas announces 2nd run for Calgary mayor

Jeromy Farkas Announces Second Bid for Calgary Mayor

Jeromy Farkas, a former city councillor, has officially launched his second campaign to become Calgary’s mayor in the upcoming 2025 municipal election. Farkas, who previously served as the councillor for Ward 11 from 2017 to 2021, made the announcement early Wednesday morning through his website. This marks his second attempt at the mayoral seat after finishing second in the 2021 election with 29% of the total votes, losing to current Mayor Jyoti Gondek.

In an interview with Global News, Farkas emphasized that his campaign is focused on the future of Calgary, particularly the next 10 years. He stated, “I want to give Calgarians something to vote for, not against. This is not about the last four years, this is not about one person, this is about the next 10 years for Calgary.” Farkas believes that the decisions made in the coming decade will set the stage for Calgary’s success or failure for the next century.

A Vision for Calgary’s Future

Farkas’s platform is centered around being both socially and fiscally responsible. He has outlined a series of priorities, including building a comprehensive plan for the city’s growth, addressing the housing shortage, creating jobs, improving public safety, and restoring trust in leadership. These issues are particularly relevant as Calgary faces unprecedented population growth and ongoing economic challenges.

Farkas also criticized the current city council for being “stuck” and indulging in “petty fights,” which he believes has eroded public trust in the municipal government. He argued that Calgarians deserve elected officials who are focused on their needs rather than advancing the agendas of political parties. This stance aligns with his decision to run as an independent candidate, as he believes political parties at the municipal level would only exacerbate dysfunction.

Reflecting on Past Leadership

During his time on city council, Farkas was often known for taking a contrarian stance. For instance, he famously voted against the original arena deal and advocated for spending cuts and pay freezes. However, his tenure was not without controversy. Farkas was once removed from a council meeting for refusing to apologize for a social media post that violated the council’s code of conduct.

Despite these challenges, Farkas remains proud of his accomplishments as a councillor. When asked to reflect on his time in office, he highlighted his commitment to financial responsibility, public safety, and making Calgary “one of the best places on earth to live.” However, Farkas has also acknowledged personal growth since leaving council. Following the 2021 election, he embarked on a 4,270-kilometre hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, raising over $200,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters Calgary and Area. He later became the CEO of the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, where he fought to protect the park from a provincial flood mitigation project.

Leadership and Personal Growth

Farkas’s experiences since the last election have shaped his perspective on leadership. He said, “I’ve learned that leadership means owning your mistakes, attacking the problem and not the person, and not having to be the smartest person in the room. Real success comes from being able to build and lean on a team.” This newfound understanding of leadership is central to his 2025 campaign, as he seeks to present himself as a unifying figure capable of guiding Calgary through its next phase of development.

The Road Ahead

The 2025 Calgary mayoral race is already shaping up to be competitive. Farkas will face familiar rivals, including incumbent Mayor Jyoti Gondek, former councillor Jeff Davison, and ex-police commission chair Brian Thiessen. The election is scheduled for October 20, giving candidates ample time to campaign and connect with voters. As Farkas looks to the future, he is determined to focus on the issues that matter most to Calgarians, emphasizing collaboration and progress over division and dysfunction. Whether his vision resonates with voters remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Jeromy Farkas is ready to make his case as the leader Calgary needs for the next decade.