In a candid reflection on his political evolution, newly-elected Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas has bluntly dismissed his former identity as a combative city councillor, labelling that version of himself a "loser." The mayor's stark self-assessment came during an interview in late 2025, following his narrow victory at the polls.
From Council Firebrand to City's Top Job
Mayor Jeromy Farkas, photographed in his office at Old City Hall on November 4, 2025, did not mince words when asked if he missed his former persona. "I don't miss him because he was a loser. I'm a winner now," Farkas stated, drawing a clear line between his past and present.
This perspective marks a significant shift from his time as the fight-the-establishment councillor known for his relentless criticism of city hall's leadership under then-Mayor Naheed Nenshi. As a councillor, Farkas built a reputation for challenging what he saw as arrogance, self-entitlement, and contempt for Calgary taxpayers among the city's higher-ups.
A Record of Confrontation and Lone Stands
His tenure was defined by high-profile clashes and solitary stands. He was a vocal opponent of the secrecy surrounding the Calgary Winter Olympic bid, a position ultimately vindicated when Calgarians voted the bid down. On other issues, he frequently found himself as the sole vote of dissent on council, with some colleagues reportedly harbouring strong animosity towards him.
One poignant memory he recalled was sitting alone at city hall near Christmas after council refused to even discuss his plan to assist residents of the city-owned Midfield Mobile Home Park, who were being displaced for redevelopment.
The Narrow Path to Victory
The mayor's "winner" comment carries particular weight given his electoral history. While more Calgarians voted for Farkas in his first mayoral bid in 2021 than in 2025, he lost that earlier race. His 2025 victory was secured by only a few hundred votes following a recount, underscoring the razor-thin margin of his win.
This hard-fought success appears to have reshaped his view of his political approach. The old Farkas—the butt-kicking, pull-no-punches councillor—is a figure he now distances himself from, despite that persona having a dedicated base of support.
The mayor's remarks suggest a strategic pivot from political outsider to governing insider, acknowledging the different obligations of his new office. His self-critique highlights the complex transition from a critic of the system to its leading administrator, a journey that will define his mayoralty for Calgarians.
