SUNDRE - UCP incumbent Jason Nixon has won a third straight election in the Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre riding, according to unofficial election results.
Nixon defeated five challengers in Monday’s provincial election, garnering 9,899 votes with 17 of 19 polls reporting.
He had faced off against NDP candidate Vance Buchwald, who garnered 1,789 votes, independent candidate Tim Hoven, who garnered 2,382 votes, Alberta Advantage Party of Alberta candidate Carol Nordlund Kinsey, who garnered 82 votes, independent Fred Schwieger, who garnered 101 votes, and Wildrose Loyalty Coalition candidate Tami Tatlock, who garnered 61 votes.
Nixon was first elected in the riding in 2015 and again in 2019. He has served as minister of Finance, minister of Environment, and Government House Leader.
Speaking at Original T’s Restaurant in Sundre following his win, Nixon said addressing cost-of-living issues in the riding and provincewide will be his top priority in the new term.
“The number 1 issue for everybody is affordability and the inflation issue,” said Nixon. “You hear it everywhere, it doesn’t matter the political stripe, the age bracket. People are having a tough time paying the bills right now, no doubt about it.
“There is no doubt that the next government needs to be laser focused on dealing with affordability problems for all Albertans. I truly believe it’s the number 1 issue.”
Asked if this win is different from in 2015 and 2019, he said, “It feels relatively the same. It was different running on a record this time. Last time was running from opposition and try to form government.
“This time it was a little more of a challenge and our message was well received. It was a good campaign and I enjoyed it.”
Nixon thanked his campaign staff and his family.
“I really think what you saw today in our riding is our constituents choosing hope,” he said. “I truly believe the best days are ahead for us in this province.”
