After a close battle that ran into the late hours of the night, Kennedy Stewart was elected as the new mayor of Vancouver.
When the last ballots were counted, Stewart received 28.72% of the vote, just 984 votes ahead of Ken Sim.
I never thought I’d ever get so excited and stressed out about an election. Glad that’s over. And so glad to have a progressive majority on city council. And for all the great people elected across the lower mainland. It’s something! #vanelxn18 #vanpoli
— Liam Fox (@liamfromto) October 21, 2018
I’ve been in bed since 10p but this #CityVote2018 #vanelxn18 results has got me up past 12a with one more poll to go. What is #sleep?
— Fanny (@fanee) October 21, 2018
The independent candidate faced a packed room of supporters after confirming his victory, along with many kind words of congratulations across social media.
Congrats to @kennedystewart I’m looking forward to working with you to improve the situation in the dtes.
— Sarah Blyth (@sarahblyth) October 21, 2018
Congrats Mayor-elect @kennedystewart on your big win and for running a very respectful campaign. Looking forward to working with you for a smooth transition on Nov 5! #vanpoli
— Gregor Robertson (@MayorGregor) October 21, 2018
@kennedystewart Huge congrats!🎉👍🏼look forward to a better Vancouver. #bcvotes #BCVotes2018 #vancouverelection #CityVote2018
— Robert Inestroza (@inestyle) October 21, 2018
Congratulations fella. Look after my fav city in the world, can’t wait to be back in 18months.
— paul le comte (@five15design) October 21, 2018
Congrats Kennedy. I hope you can give Vancouver back to it’s residents. I recently returned to Vancouver after an 11 yr hiatus in Alberta to find its been sold. My rent is more than my 2 Ab mortgages combined. Best of luck! Let’s do it😊
— Barb🇨🇦❤️🇺🇸🌊🤞 (@barbara_1965) October 21, 2018
Congratulations Kennedy!! Ottawa misses you but this new job is alright I guess 🙂
— Stefania Capovilla (@StefaniaAdele) October 21, 2018
But of course, as with every election, a number of questions and concerns were raised after the fact.
Congratulations to @kennedystewart and all of the other new mayors! However, voter turnout was not great. How do we improve this in the future? #vanpoli #vanelxn18
— Jennifer K. Choi (@jenniferkchoi) October 21, 2018
So next time @JustinTrudeau is in the country’s 3rd largest city, will he meet with the mayor? You know, the one who got arrested blockading Trudeau’s #TMX pipeline?#Awkward @kennedystewart @gmbutts #elxn2018 #bcvotes #vanelxn18 #bcpoli #cdnpoli #StopTMX #NotMyPipeline
— Torrance Coste (@TorranceCoste) October 21, 2018
I would say it’s a stunning result but I felt it coming this entire campaign. Power structures reinforce the whiteness, as does our electoral system, as does racism. This is the work, for all political parties and all of of us. #vanpoli #vanelexn18 #VancouverVotes
— Mira Oreck (@miraoreck) October 21, 2018
No visible minorities… 🤔 this troubles me. #metrovan #municipalelection2018 #VanPoli https://t.co/5FzrSWqPmE
— Amelia Huang 黄耀薇 (@AmeliaHuang1) October 21, 2018
Also worth noting, was a strong push by Shauna Sylvester.
The independent candidate received the 35,537 votes after an admirable campaign.
Congratulations! Hoping to see @ShaunaSylvester as part of the team.
— marianne amodio (@marianneamodio) October 21, 2018
Congrats! Would love to see you bring Shawna Sylvester on board to finally help renew co-op leases. It was clear lately that City Staff had run amuck of Mayor and Council’s concerns and direction. Please fix this!
— @bolander (@michaelboland74) October 21, 2018
Agreed. We need @ShaunaSylvester on board… housing or communications or policy… she needs to be part of the solutions for saving this city ♥️
— nic b (@alphabetress) October 21, 2018
@kennedystewart I really wish you all the best moving into your new job, but please consider filling in your platform with some of @ShaunaSylvester . We need city level climate and resilience policy now, and we need to keep investing in our cycling network #goodluck
— Mischa (@mimischap) October 21, 2018
Ummmmmm, what about @ShaunaSylvester ?? I think our City has woken up with an unrequited love. The crush is 35000 strong.
— Kathryn Laurel (@KathrynLaurel) October 21, 2018