Coquitlam elects its first new mayor in 18 years
After longtime Coquitlam mayor Richard Stewart decided to step down last year, the city finally has new leadership.
Craig Hodge has been officially elected as the next mayor of Coquitlam in the 2026 municipal election.
When Stewart officially announced his decision not to run again last year, he endorsed Hodge.
“I’m happy to be here tonight because I truly believe in Craig, and over the 14 years we’ve worked together, I’ve been honoured to have him as a colleague,” said Stewart at the time.
“He has done an amazing job for our community for decades, and I’m happy [to] hand over the reins to my friend Craig Hodge! I thank him for stepping forward for our community, and I look forward to seeing the great things he will accomplish for our city.”
Hodge ran against mayoral candidates Madhavee Inamdar and Trish Mandewo.
He was first elected to Coquitlam City Council in 2011.
What has Hodge promised?
In Hodge’s platform, he committed to “protecting Coquitlam’s quality of life” by managing growth while protecting “the parks, neighbourhoods and services that make our city such a great place to call home.”
He said he will keep the City affordable with a greater range of housing choices and by keeping an eye on City spending and property taxes.
Hodge also promised a “safer Coquitlam” with a series of actions, including hiring more police officers, improving traffic enforcement, and investing in better mental health supports.
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