Calgary Ward 12 councillor Evan Spencer not seeking re-election
Posted Jan 11, 2025 1:15 pm.
Last Updated Jan 11, 2025 1:19 pm.
Calgary’s Ward 12 councillor Evan Spencer says he will not run for re-election in the upcoming municipal election in October.
Calling it an incredible privilege to represent Ward 12, Spencer, elected in the 2021 municipal election, announced his decision in his newsletter that was shared to his social media.
He says the decision wasn’t made lightly as it had personal and family considerations in mind, and adds there are other ways he can contribute outside his role as a councillor.
“This journey that started with a simple habit of putting my hand up to help eventually led me to this position — a responsibility that, at times, still feels like a dream. It was your trust and hard work that placed me here, and I have approached every decision with that in mind,” the notice reads.
While the decisions he has made as a councillor are ones he stands by, Spencer admits “trust has eroded during this term.”
He also says today’s political realities have “shifted considerably,” saying collaboration is important to achieve common goals.
“Unfortunately, we are living in a time where politicians are increasingly rewarded for their ability to attack, criticize, and grandstand vs. move forward while respecting and explaining the tensions being balanced by our institutions,” he said.
Spencer campaigned on a conservative platform in the 2021 municipal election, similar to that of his predecessor Shane Keating, due in part to working closely with him at the Ward 12 office. He won with 39 per cent of the vote.
Spencer thanked volunteers and neighbours who gave “so freely of their time, energy, and talents,” along with City of Calgary public servants and his personal staff.
“Without your efforts, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity to serve,” his notice reads.
He also thanked his city council colleagues.
“Though we may not always agree, I have great respect for many of you and the important work that we have done together,” he said.
“My respect for thoughtful elected officials, at all levels, has grown exponentially.”
In a post on X, Ward 3 councillor Jasmine Mian wished him well on his next journey.
Spencer says he will continue to work for Ward 12 until the next election.
Next Calgary election to allow political parties
The next municipal election in Alberta is Oct. 2025, the first one in the province to allow political parties due to Bill 20.
Currently, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek and several other candidates have announced a re-election run.
Gondek said in November she would be running as an independent candidate, not aligning herself with any municipal political party.
Andre Chabot, Dan McLean, Sonya Sharp, Terry Wong, and former Coun. John Mar formed a party in early December, saying it expects to have a full roster of candidates for all elected city positions.
There is also A Better Calgary (ABC), which describes itself as right-of-centre.
Former councillor and 2021 mayoral candidate Jeff Davison has also announced his intent to run for the city’s top job. He came third behind Gondek and current Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation CEO Jeromy Farkas in the 2021 race.
With files from Lauryn Heintz
