Winnipeg election shows grassroots wins, labor-backed challengers, and incumbents clinging to power
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Unofficial results from Winnipeg's 2026 municipal election show a city split between entrenched incumbents and challengers backed by community and labor support, while mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham leads the race.
Unofficial tallies released after polls closed at 8 p.m. show a mix of continuity and change across Winnipeg's city council, with voters giving some wards to fresh voices and leaving others in the hands of familiar power. Lora Meseman, executive director of the General Council of Winnipeg Community Centres, captured the Transcona ward with roughly 32% of the vote, defeating former councillor Shawn Nason, who fell short by 461 votes.
In Waverley West, Jasmine Brar secured the open seat with 42.4% of the vote, succeeding long-time councillor Janice Lukes who did not run again.
Natalie Smith unseated 16-year incumbent Ross Eadie in Mynarski, earning 31% of the vote after endorsements from the Winnipeg Labour Council, United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg and NDP MP Leah Gazan.
Emma Durand-Wood retained Elmwood-East Kildonan with 39% of the vote, while Jeff Browaty was re-elected in North Kildonan with 48.8% of the vote.
Matt Allard won a third term in St. Boniface, receiving 44% of the vote, and Sara MacArthur was declared the new councillor for River Heights-Fort Garry, leading with 62% as results came in.
Chris Sigurdson, a criminal-defence lawyer and former school-board trustee, captured St. Vital with 60% of the vote, and Kelly Ryback defeated incumbent Shawn Dobson in St. James, posting 45.5% of the vote.
Greg McFarlane, a political newcomer, beat long-time incumbent Devi Sharma in Old Kildonan, earning 55.9% of the vote. Vivian Santos was re-elected in Point Douglas with 64% of the vote, marking her third term.
Mayor-candidate Scott Gillingham led the mayoral contest with roughly 42% of the vote in early reporting, while Kevin Klein and Noah Redden trailed in second and third places respectively.
Voter participation rose during advance voting, with a record 50,767 ballots cast, a 21% increase over the previous election. Overall turnout for the municipal election was 42.33% compared with 37.5% in 2022.