Evan Spencer, Calgary’s Ward 12 councillor, confirms he will not run for re-election in the upcoming municipal election.

Calgary: Evan Spencer, the councillor for Ward 12, has decided not to run for re-election in the upcoming municipal election this October. He shared this news in a newsletter and on social media, calling it an incredible privilege to serve his community.
Spencer, who was elected in 2021, mentioned that his choice was influenced by personal and family factors. He believes there are other ways he can contribute to the community outside of being a councillor.
He reflected on his journey, saying it started with a simple desire to help. He feels a deep responsibility to the people who trusted him with their votes. While he stands by his decisions, he acknowledged that trust has diminished during his term.
Spencer pointed out that the political landscape has changed significantly, emphasizing the need for collaboration to achieve shared goals. He expressed concern that politicians are often rewarded for negativity rather than constructive dialogue.
In the 2021 election, he campaigned on a conservative platform, similar to his predecessor Shane Keating, and won with 39% of the vote. He took a moment to thank the volunteers, city staff, and his colleagues for their support during his term.
Ward 3 councillor Jasmine Mian expressed her sadness over his decision, praising Spencer as a thoughtful and hardworking official. She wished him well in his future endeavors.
Spencer plans to continue serving Ward 12 until the next election. The upcoming municipal election in Alberta is set for October 2025, marking a significant change as it will allow political parties for the first time.
Several candidates, including Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, have already announced their intention to run again. Gondek will be running as an independent, while others have formed parties to compete in the election.