Tara Sawyer of the United Conservative Party has won the provincial by-election in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, while Alberta’s New Democrats have captured both Edmonton ridings, according to unofficial results from Elections Alberta.
Elections Alberta says all vote counts remain unofficial until the official tabulation is completed on July 3.
In Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, Sawyer received 9,363 votes. Beverley Toews of the Alberta NDP received 3,061. Cameron Davies of the Republican Party of Alberta received 2,705, and Bill Tufts of the Wildrose Loyalty Coalition received 189. All 60 voting locations reported results.
Premier Danielle Smith congratulated Sawyer in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Congratulations to NDP leader Naheed Nenshi @nenshi on earning a seat in Alberta’s Legislature. I look forward to constructive debate and, above all, working to advance Alberta’s interests: growing our economy, building critical infrastructure, and securing a stronger future for…
— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) June 24, 2025
According to her campaign website, Sawyer is a farmer and business owner who lives near Acme, Alta. She has served as Chair of Grain Growers of Canada and Alberta Grains—becoming the first woman elected to both roles—and has represented Canadian agriculture on trade missions to Asia, Africa, and the Gulf.
In a written statement released Monday night by the Alberta NDP, Toews addressed supporters following the result:
“While this wasn’t the outcome we hoped for, I’m incredibly proud of what we built together. From day one, this campaign was driven by people who care deeply about their community.
“To every volunteer who knocked on doors, made calls, or simply shared words of encouragement, thank you. Your commitment made this campaign something truly special.
“The opportunity to stand up for Canada and against separatism was a highlight for me this campaign. It was incredible to see Alberta’s New Democrats pull a standing-room-only crowd to Carstairs in support of Canada.
“People have long written off this riding, but we saw real progress and a willingness to talk about a better future for rural Alberta.
“This campaign was about pushing for accessible health care, strong public education, affordability for families and farmers, and unity over division. We have strengthened the voices in the community that care for a better Alberta.
“I leave tonight with pride and a deep sense of optimism. I believe change starts with connection and courage. I am excited to continue the work here in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills and I know this is just the beginning.”
In Edmonton-Strathcona, Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi received 7,952 votes. United Conservative Party candidate Darby-Rae Crouch received 1,314. Don Slater of the Alberta Liberal Party received 195, Samuel Petrov of the Alberta Party received 115, Ravina Chand of the Republican Party of Alberta received 65, and Jesse Stretch of the Wildrose Loyalty Coalition received 24. All 52 voting locations reported.
Nenshi issued a written statement Monday night:
“I’m deeply honoured and grateful for the trust this community has placed in me. It means the world to have the opportunity to serve Edmonton-Strathcona and all Albertans as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.”
Nenshi also framed the results as a broader rejection of the governing party.
“Danielle Smith and the UCP have now lost three by-elections in the last six months and have massively reduced their lead in a fourth. Voters reject the UCP’s failures. Voters sent a clear message tonight that the UCP doesn’t have a plan for a better future.”
He added: “I welcome Gurtej Singh Brar as our newest member of caucus and know he will do great things for his community. I thank Bev Toews for her strong, people-powered campaign, and for showing rural Albertans that we will fight every day for their issues.”
Smith also acknowledged Nenshi’s result in a separate post:
Congratulations to NDP leader Naheed Nenshi @nenshi on earning a seat in Alberta’s Legislature. I look forward to constructive debate and, above all, working to advance Alberta’s interests: growing our economy, building critical infrastructure, and securing a stronger future for…
— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) June 24, 2025
In Edmonton-Ellerslie, Gurtej Singh Brar of the Alberta NDP received 4,327 votes. United Conservative Party candidate Naresh Bhardwaj received 3,239. Manpreet Tiwana of the Alberta Liberal Party received 410, Fred Munn of the Republican Party of Alberta received 291, Caroline Currie of the Alberta Party received 203, and Pamela Henson of the Wildrose Loyalty Coalition received 41. All 55 voting locations reported.
Advance voting in all three ridings ran from June 17 to 21. Electors could also vote by special ballot or at returning offices. Elections Alberta posted unofficial results after polls closed at 8:00 p.m. on June 23.
Official results are scheduled to be released on July 3.
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