Penticton Councillor Helena Konanz has emerged as the Conservative Party candidate for the Similkameen – South Okanagan – West Kootenay riding. This announcement is noteworthy, especially since she has run twice before against outgoing MP Richard Cannings, narrowly losing in 2019 and 2021.
In 2019, Konanz secured 35.2% of the votes, just behind Cannings, who garnered 36.4%. In 2021, she improved slightly with 35.5%, but Cannings won with 41.3%. With Cannings deciding not to run again in 2024, there’s a new opportunity for Konanz.
Interestingly, her candidacy took many by surprise. She wasn’t among the early candidates for the position. Former MLA Dan Ashton and local business figures like Gary Johal and Chris Pequin had publicly announced their intentions to run. Yet, Konanz was chosen, catching everyone off guard. This is especially striking since she had previously indicated her desire to complete her term on the city council.
Now, she faces competition from NDP candidate Linda Sankey and Barry Dewar of the People’s Party of Canada. The Liberal Party has yet to announce its candidate.
It’s a critical time for the riding as it enters a new chapter without Cannings in the race. Experts suggest that Konanz’s prior experience could work in her favor, especially as the political landscape shifts. According to recent surveys, voters are increasingly looking for local representation with proven track records, making her candidacy potentially appealing.
In this election cycle, social media trends reveal that younger voters, in particular, are using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to express their views on candidates. Engaging with these platforms could be key for Konanz as she seeks support.
As the election nears, the race is shaping up to be competitive. The decisions made by voters will be crucial as the area prepares for its political future. For further insights on the evolving political dynamics, check out this report from CBC News.
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Source linkBreaking News|Penticton|Canada Votes 2025
