Donna Reardon won a second term as mayor of Saint John. She will lead a city council filled with mostly new faces. The results became clear Monday night after a tight race.

According to CBC News, Reardon celebrated her victory at a watch party at the Union Club. She thanked voters for giving her another term and admitted she expected a close competition.

The Mayoral Race Breakdown

Reardon secured 7,168 votes. Outgoing councillor Barry Ogden followed with 5,938 votes. West side business owner Blaine Harris finished third with 4,697 votes.

“Because, as an incumbent, you have some baggage,” Reardon said. “It’s hard to keep everyone happy and I already knew that going into it. It was a three way split there. That was pretty close for quite a little while.”

She noted that a 1,000 vote lead is not a massive margin. She told reporters she was not surprised by the tight numbers.

A Fresh Face for City Council

You will see significant changes in the new city council. Only three of the five incumbent candidates return this term. Gary Sullivan continues as councillor at large. Greg Norton and John MacKenzie return to represent wards 1 and 2.

Voters did not return Paula Radwan and Mariah Darling to their seats.

The new council members include:

• Gina Hooley in the at large position
• Sherri Colwell McCavour in Ward 1
• Brian Wyatt in Ward 2
• Eric Savoie in Ward 3
• Ryan Moore in Ward 3
• Paul Dempsey in Ward 4
• David Merrithew in Ward 4

Merrithew previously served as a councillor for nine years before stepping away in 2021.

Reardon plans to hold an orientation to bring new members up to speed. The incoming councillors take their oaths on May 25. They hold their first official meeting on June 1.

“And then it’s really getting to know your team and to understand the strengths of your team and then trying to build the team,” Reardon said.

Campaign Issues and Opponent Reactions

Barry Ogden left his council seat to run for mayor. He expressed disappointment after running a strong campaign. He visited Reardon at her watch party to offer his congratulations.

Ogden believes industrial projects played a major role in the election results. He pointed to the Spruce Lake Industrial Park expansion and a data centre project by Beacon A.I. Centers and VoltaGrid.

“I really think the bottom line is people spoke out against pollution,” Ogden said. “The anti data centre vote is strong and I think it’s going to get stronger.”

He added that residents made their voices heard regarding environmental concerns. The outgoing council unanimously approved the Spruce Lake expansion last year despite significant public opposition.

Ogden served as a teacher for 33 years before entering politics in 2021. He remains active in community initiatives.

“I’ve spent my life here,” Ogden said. “And I’m glad I have.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Saint John mayoral election?

Donna Reardon won the election and secured her second term as mayor of Saint John.

When does the new city council take office?

The new councillors take their oaths on May 25 and hold their first meeting on June 1.

Who are the returning city council members?

Gary Sullivan, Greg Norton, and John MacKenzie are the three returning incumbent councillors.

What were the main issues during the campaign?

Industrial development and environmental concerns played a large role. Candidates and voters debated the Spruce Lake Industrial Park expansion and a proposed data centre project.