Politics newcomer Chad Bachynski elected as Regina's mayor

Regina has elected Chad Bachynski as its next mayor, following a competitive race.

"Tonight we begin the next phase of our journey together. Our work starts with listening and ensuring that every voice in Regina has a place in shaping our future," Bachynski said during his victory speech at city hall on Wednesday evening.

Bachynski, 38, works as a manager at SaskEnergy and emphasized the leadership skills gained from this experience throughout his campaign. He highlighted safety and affordability as his core priorities, and expressed his desire to see city council unite around a shared vision for Regina, with a focus on strategic infrastructure spending to slow property tax increases.

He triumphed over 10 other candidates, including incumbent Sandra Masters, Lori Bresciani, Melina Bushenlonga, Bevann Fox, Nathaniel Hewton, Kevin Kardash, Bob Pearce, Bill Pratt, Shawn Sparvier, and Rod Williams.

Bachynski pledged to be accessible, transparent, and accountable, ensuring that every resident's concerns are heard and addressed. "Together we will build a safer, more affordable, and vibrant Regina. A city that every one of us is proud to call home," he stated.

Masters, after conceding defeat, commented that the results reflected a desire for change among Regina residents. "I think it's indicative of some of the other things we've seen in the city, and just even across America," she said. Masters quickly called Bachynski to congratulate him and acknowledged that he faces significant challenges, though she noted that he has strong support. "We've got a lot of work to do at the city, but again, he's an intelligent man so I'm looking forward to watching it," she said. On a personal note, Masters added, "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little relieved in a way. You know, you get a life back."

Andrew Stevens, the outgoing Ward 3 councillor, who did not seek re-election, commented on the vagueness of Bachynski’s platform compared to the incumbent’s but recognized that new candidates often face less specific expectations. "I think probably there's just a general sense of frustration. Incumbents are not the most popular folks at any level," Stevens said, citing examples from both provincial and U.S. elections. He also noted that Bachynski seemed to focus on his mayoral vision rather than running against specific individuals.

Voter turnout was high, with some residents still waiting to vote an hour after the polls had closed, according to Regina city clerk Jim Nicol. Outgoing Ward 5 Coun. John Findura, who also did not seek re-election, remarked that this was the highest voter turnout he had seen in his time in municipal politics. "It's good to see that, because that tells me, that tells us, that the residents out there are getting engaged. They need to be engaged. They need to speak their minds. That's important," Findura said.

Historically, Regina has seen low voter turnout, with less than 50 percent of the population voting in past elections. The highest turnout was in 1988, at 57 percent, and the highest in the last two decades was 34 percent in 2006.

In addition to the mayoral race, Regina elected 10 city councillors and 14 school board trustees. Six of the city councillor positions did not have incumbents, with 53 total candidates running for council spots.

City council results:

- Ward 1: Dan Rashovich

- Ward 2: George Tsiklis

- Ward 3: David Froh

- Ward 4: Mark Burton

- Ward 5: Sarah Turnbull

- Ward 6: Victoria Flores

- Ward 7: Shobna Radons

- Ward 8: Shanon Zachidniak

- Ward 9: Jason Mancinelli

- Ward 10: Clark Bezo

Public school board trustees:

- Subdivision 1: Ted Jaleta

- Subdivision 2: Tracey McMurchy

- Subdivision 3: Adam Hicks

- Subdivision 4: Cindy Anderson

- Subdivision 5: Sarah Cummings Truszkowski

- Subdivision 6: Brandon-Shea Mutala

- Subdivision 7: Lacey Weekes

Separate school board trustees:

- Ryan Bast

- Rob Bresciani

- Vicky Bonnell

- Greg Fischer

- Robert Kowalchuk

- Shauna Weninger

- Darren Wilcox