Former Calgary council member and prospective mayor criticizes city hall while considering a 2025 candidacy

Former Calgary city councillor Jeromy Farkas has hinted at a potential run for mayor in the upcoming 2025 municipal election, though he hasn't officially confirmed his candidacy.

Farkas, who served as Ward 11 councillor from 2017 to 2021 and lost the 2021 mayoral race to Jyoti Gondek, said he hasn’t ruled out another bid for leadership, telling CityNews he would “definitely not close the door” on another run.

Reflecting on his 2021 mayoral campaign, Farkas admitted he was “a little over his head” at the time but now feels more prepared for such a role after gaining valuable experience since then.

He currently serves as the head of the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, a position he enjoys, especially given the foundation's recent success in advocating for the Ghost River flood mitigation project.

Farkas was critical of Calgary's current leadership, stating that city council has fallen short on key responsibilities.

He believes Calgarians are frustrated with the performance of the mayor and council, citing failures in addressing basic issues like clean drinking water and municipal services. Farkas emphasized that those looking to challenge the current council in the next election must offer solutions rather than just critique existing problems.

His comments follow a recent Maru Opinion Poll that showed growing discontent with the current administration.

Nearly three-quarters of Calgarians feel Mayor Gondek and the council are out of touch, with only 18% of respondents supporting Gondek's re-election. Council's performance also ranked low, with only 42% of Calgarians expressing satisfaction with the group.

As the 2025 election approaches, it remains to be seen whether Farkas will officially throw his hat into the ring for another mayoral run.