In a move few Calgarians seem to support, embattled Mayor Jyoti Gondek has announced her bid for re-election.
Gondek, whose tenure has been marred by controversy, unpopularity, and divisive policies, claimed in a Friday release that she’s ready to “improve communication” and “cut red tape”—a sharp pivot from her record of alienating residents and businesses alike.
Gondek is widely regarded as Calgary’s least popular mayor, with polling consistently showing her support collapsing. A September poll commissioned by The Counter Signal revealed that fewer than 1 in 5 Calgarians back her for re-election.
An earlier poll by ThinkHQ data has labeled her the most disliked mayor in Calgary’s history.
Her term has been riddled with blunders. Most recently, Gondek sparked fury on Remembrance Day by calling Canadians “settlers” during her speech, politicizing a solemn event meant to honor veterans.
Critics slammed the comments as tone-deaf and divisive, with many asking why the city cannot have one unifying day free of her “woke” agenda.
Gondek’s poor leadership has made life harder for Calgarians
Property taxes have skyrocketed while services languish, and her administration’s priorities—like boosting her personal security budget—have left taxpayers outraged. Meanwhile, her declaration of a climate emergency rings hollow, given her lack of meaningful action.
Her re-election campaign is already facing stiff competition from credible challengers like former councillor Jeff Davison and ex-Calgary Police Commission chair Brian Thiessen. Both appear poised to capitalize on the widespread anger toward Gondek.
With Calgarians frustrated by years of soaring costs and divisive rhetoric, Gondek’s campaign seems more like a last-ditch effort to cling to power than a genuine bid to serve the city.
As her disastrous term comes to an end, voters will have the chance to choose leadership that respects their needs—or endure more of Gondek’s failures.
