Jyoti Gondek will seek re-election in 2025

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek has declared her intention to seek re-election in 2025.

Gondek announced her decision in an emailed statement Friday morning, in which she acknowledged she has faced "challenges" in her first term, but says she's learned from them.

"I've learned many lessons, and I'm prepared to tackle the important work that needs to be done, including improving communication between city hall and Calgarians, supporting those who need it most, cutting unnecessary red tape, and empowering business owners to do what they do best — drive innovation and strengthen our economy," the statement said.

She joins former city councillor Jeff Davison, who ran against Gondek and finished third in 2021, and Brian Thiessen, a lawyer and former Calgary Police Commission chair, as the only declared candidates in the race.

Several others, including former councillor Jeromy Farkas and sitting councillors Sonya Sharp and Dan McLean, are said to be weighing the possibility of running.

Speculation about Gondek's future plans has been swirling for several months.

Historically, Calgary mayors seeking second terms have performed extremely well. In fact, no sitting mayor has lost an election since 1980, when Ralph Klein was first elected.

But polls have shown Gondek struggling with her approval ratings. A Maru Public Opinion poll released in September suggested only 18 per cent of Calgarians said Gondek deserved re-election, while 69 per cent said she didn't. 

Political analyst Lori Williams, an associate professor at Mount Royal University, says the usual electoral advantages given by incumbency no longer apply, particularly when it comes to Gondek.

"She's running from behind, essentially, because incumbency these days is a liability, and for her in particular there have been issues in Calgary that have raised a lot of questions," Williams told CBC News.

'Uphill battle'

Williams points to concerns about public safety, the lengthy — and ongoing — saga of the Green Line LRT project, and the mayor's handling of this year's water feeder main break as issues that will be challenging for Gondek to overcome.

"There's no question, this is an uphill battle for her," said Williams.

Gondek said this week's announcement, ahead of the beginning of the formal nomination period on Jan. 2, 2025, is intended to end the speculation about her future.

"I am announcing my intent to run again now to end speculation and stay focused on the business of leading Calgary," Gondek's statement said.

"I've spoken with supporters across the city and will formally assemble a campaign team when the election period commences in the new year."

At a news conference Friday afternoon, Gondek said she would not be running under a party banner in the upcoming campaign. 

The provincial government created legislation earlier this year paving the way for political parties in Alberta's two big cities, but Gondek said she would be running as an independent candidate, calling municipal political parties "the kiss of death for local representation."

"I think Calgarians are good people, I think they're smart people, and they will choose candidates that they know will stick up for their interests, and not just represent something that a party wants them to do," she said.