2025 Medicine Hat Municipal Election
With the 2025 Medicine Hat municipal election approaching, residents of Medicine Hat have many choices for city council and mayor. This page is intended as a neutral resource to help voters learn about the candidates and their platforms.
I am not endorsing any candidate. All information presented here is neutral, factual, and intended solely to help residents make informed decisions. The goal is to provide a quick, easy-to-read overview of each candidate’s experience, priorities, and focus areas for the 2025 Medicine Hat municipal election.
Below, you will find a list of candidates along with their key points and campaign highlights. There are many links below for you to find out more information about each candidate make sure to do more research on your own too.
Good luck to all 2025 Medicine Hat Municipal Election Candidates. May the odds be ever in your favour…
Candidates - Mayor
Drew Barnes
Date Filed: August 13, 2025
Experience: Former MLA, Real Estate Investor
Key Points:
Restore Medicine Hat Advantage
Lower taxes, 3 year freeze on property taxes
Restore accountability
Attract investment
Bring law & order to the city
Restore common sense values within council
Opposed street narrowing & sped thrift projects
Increase police presence to ensure safety throughout the entire city
Pass & enact vagrancy and trespass laws
Create compassionate resources for people struggling with addictions and homelessness
Linnsie Clark
Date Filed: Sept 12, 2025
Experience: Current Mayor, Lawyer
Key Points:
Residents First
Simpler Government
Accountable Leadership
Open & Transparent
Stronger Community
Economic Prosperity
Resilient Future
Collaborative Leadership
Mark Fisher
Date Filed: September 10, 2025
Website
Experience: Oil & Gas Sector
Key Points:
Bring back open communication between the City Council and citizens
Thomas Andrew "Andy" Mcgrogan
Date Filed: August 5, 2025
Experience: Current Councillor, Former Police Chief
Key Points:
Focuses on community safety
Strengthens social services for vulnerable residents
Supports parks & recreation development
Promotes economic growth & local business
Advocates transparency & accountability in government
Collaborative leadership approach
Committed to community engagement & future planning
AlAn Rose
Date Filed: July 21, 2025
Experience: Chemical and oil & gas industries, Part-time instructor at Medicine Hat College. Ran in 2021 election.
Key Points:
Support for Small Businesses
Mental Health Services
Economic Development
City Transparency
City Infrastructure
Housing & Accessibility
Full-Time Council Support
Advocate for Regional Connectivity
Promote City Pride & Image
Kris Samraj
Date Filed: September 12, 2025
Experience: Currently Lieutenant with South Alberta Light Horse, Political Analyst with Alberta Municipalities, Previous Medicine Hat City Councillor (2017-2021), Librarian at the Medicine Hat Public Library
Key Points:
Celebrate what our city has to offer, while recognizing the pitfalls – balanced perspective
Ensure we have a solid foundation to start on, which starts at City Hall
Reasoned Communication
Collaboratively work with the council to make decisions on the future, balancing adaptation with stability
Shared responsibility, work together constructively and purposefully
Affordability, Balance and Cooperation
Work with staff and public on solutions
Candidates - Councillor
Mark douglas albrecht
Date Filed: September 3, 2025
No Socials
Experience: NA
Limited info available at this time.
Kelly G. Allard
Date Filed: February 28, 2025
Experience: Investigative Journalist for the Medicine Hat Owl, Previously ran for Councillor in 2021
Key Points:
Shift power back to City Council from administration.
Take urgent action on homelessness.
Ensure fiscal sustainability beyond oil & gas revenues.
Improve transit for residents.
Attract new residents to Medicine Hat.
Revitalize downtown & waterfront areas.
Make councillors full-time positions.
Create a fair, accountable City Hall culture.
Laura Butterfield
Date Filed: August 13, 2025
Experience: Senior Lead of Corporate Operations and Resourcing and worked at The City of Medicine Hat
Key Points:
Strategic Tax Incentives
Streamlining Development Processes
Promoting Medicine Hat
Sustainable Growth
Community Engagement
Municipal Experience
Corporate Leadership
Land Development Background
Commitment to Community
Stephen campbell
Date Filed: September 5, 2025
Experience: Community Manager at Tower Estates/Harmony Communities
Key Points:
Advocates personal freedoms & rights
Emphasizes genuine transparency in council
Focused on crime reduction
Tackles rising cost of living
Supports small business growth
Promotes fiscal responsibility
Prioritizes public safety
Strengthens family & community bonds
Encourages open communication with residents
Dana Christensen
Date Filed: May 7, 2025
Experience: Local Small Business Owner & Full-Time Manager of an Alberta-Owned Business
Key Points:
Community first
Service, not status
Respect for public funds
Growth & prosperity
Community-driven decisions
Accountability
Integrity & commitment
Investing in everyone
Empathy & Humility
Equal representation
Learning & innovatin
Dignity & Accountability
Ted Clugston
Date Filed: September 19, 2025
Experience: Previous Mayor of Medicine Hat
Key Points:
Build a sustainable, dynamic city
Accelerate Financially Fit Initiative
Invest in parks and recreation
Add new ice sheets, water park
Upgrade Echo Dale & waterfront
Stop relying on volatile revenues
Avoid heavy property tax hikes
Push for stable, predictable finances
Balance amenities with fiscal responsibility
Bill Cocks
Date Filed: September 5, 2025
Experience: Retired Lawyer, Local Historian and Sunshine Trolley Guide
Key Points:
Addressing community stagnation
Attract new residents & businesses
Enhance quality of life
Improve city services
Fiscal responsibility & cost control
Seek cost-effective solutions
Informed, thoughtful decision-making
Council integrity & professionalism
Listen to resident concerns
Gordan Cowan
Date Filed: August 7, 2025
Experience: Owned Cowan Agencies & served on several boards and committees
Key Points:
No tax increases
Growth & Opportunity
Afforability
Crime
Homelessness
Cohesive Functional Council
Robert Dumanowski
Date Filed: September 10, 2025
No Socials
Experience: Current Councillor, Principal with the Catholic School Board
Key Points:
Strong family & community commitment
Promotes economic growth & jobs
Supports publicly owned utilities
Prioritizes public safety (fire & police)
Advocates fiscal responsibility & transparency
Recognized for excellence in education
Dedicated to thoughtful, long-term service
Longest-serving councillor since 2001
Christien Ellis
Date Filed: August 18, 2025
Experience: Arborist, works with BeYouth Centre and Founder of Fictional Bookings. Former Owner of King Bagel.
Key Points:
Focus on affordability
Supports vulnerable populations, including our youth
Advocates for local business
Committed to community service
Passionate about positive impact
Streamline the application and approval process for new construction
Reclaim public safety
Economic Diversification – attract high-value industries in the energy sector
Jodi Faith
Date Filed: September 5, 2025
Experience: Involvement with ministry boards, school councils, and various committees. Professional Singer and Speaker.
Key Points:
Community-driven leadership
Experienced on boards & committees
Arts, coaching & creative perspective
Supports small business growth
Promotes innovative housing solutions
Advocates for vulnerable populations
Strengthens partnerships with local organizations
Committed to transparent governance
Focused on sustainable employment
Engages residents & gathers feedback
Limited info available at this time.
Key Points:
Affordability Focus
Fiscal Responsibility
Business Attraction
Infrastructure Improvement
Utility Management
Public Trust Restoration
Community Engagement
Optimistic Leadership
Brock Hale
Date Filed: September 4, 2025
Experience: French Immersion Teacher at St. Mary’s
Key Points:
Balanced, thoughtful council decisions
Committed to listening and learning
Collaborative problem-solving with others
Re-evaluate Transportation Plan for efficiency
Review spending to limit tax increases
Support small businesses & community groups
Address housing insecurity challenges
Tackle energy use issues
Explore recreation opportunities (southside centre)
Focus on working with residents & stakeholders
Christopher T. Hellman
Date Filed: April 14, 2025
Experience: Owner of Mr.Lube and Co-Owner of Moxies
Key Points:
Honest, transparent, people-first leadership
Focused on affordable living & smart growth
Supports safe, thriving downtown
Advocates for homelessness, addiction & mental health solutions
Experienced on Chamber, Kinsmen, Thrive, Tourism boards
Champions men’s & women’s health initiatives
Supports youth programs & local SPCA
Strengthens community connections with City Hall
jay hitchen
Date Filed: September 15, 2025
Experience: Retired – Program Manager for Chat 94.5 & My96, Co-Owner of Cheesecake Cafe // Current Podcast Co- Host for the City of Medicine Hat
Key Points:
Committed to tackling homelessness and poverty.
Supports community housing and local organizations.
Protect city-owned utilities for future stability.
Explore renewable energy: solar, wind, hydrogen, SMRs.
Push for a more functional council.
Stronger public input and transparency.
Focus on youth retention and growth.
Encourage responsible development and planning.
Invest in parks, trails, and pathways.
Build a welcoming, sustainable community.
Donald "Brent" Knudsen
Date Filed: June 23, 2025
Experience: Retired deputy mayor & volunteer
Key Points:
Affordable housing advocate
Local modular homes supporter
Tackles homelessness
Community-focused & engaged
Practical problem-solver
Experienced in city governance
Supports local economy
Adam Koch
Date Filed: July 15, 2025
Experience: Chef & Owner of HomeTown
Key Points:
Focused on public transit, affordable housing & social supports
Advocates for community-focused, inclusive growth
Emphasizes leadership that listens and engages
Believes in thoughtful, long-term policy decisions
Prioritizes transparency and integrity in governance
Supports a balanced approach to city development
Encourages public participation and feedback
Aims to represent real people with real concerns
Key Points:
Studied Municipal Government Act & city bylaws
Advocates for proactive communication & integrity
Focuses on rebuilding trust between council, administration & residents
Supports bold, long-term planning for city growth
Emphasizes understanding roles & responsibilities within city governance
Aims to engage community through small group discussions
Yusuf Mohammed
Date Filed: August 27, 2025
Experience: Founder of Lantern Global Co., Board Member at The Medicine Hat College
Key Points:
Restoring trust & transparency in leadership
Supports small businesses & job creation
Focused on fair, resilient local economy
Advocates for affordable housing & rent stability
Promotes diversity, inclusion & cultural understanding
Engages community through dialogue & public input
Prioritizes youth programs & mental health
Believes in thoughtful, courageous decision-making
Kevin Monson
Date Filed: August 13, 2025
Experience: Instructor at the Medicine Hat College
Key Points:
Focus on housing affordability
Advocates for fair rental practices
Supports improved public transit
Prioritizes positive, collaborative leadership
Committed to future-focused city planning
Engages with community through dialogue
New parent dedicated to city’s growth
Believes in decisions that benefit future generations
Immanuel Moritz
Date Filed: August 22, 2025
Experience: Construction Business Owner and served on Municipal Planning Commission and Catholic School Board
Key Points:
Fiscal conservative, value for money
Advocates transparency in council operations
Promotes open communication with residents
Supports sustainable city growth
Focus on long-term planning
Engages actively with the community
Randall Noble
Date Filed: September 3, 2025
Experience: Manager & Marketing for Panorama Lanes
Key Points:
Fresh, youthful perspective
Advocates for taxpayers, sustainable fiscal policies
Supports local small & medium businesses
Engages actively with the community
Promotes transparency in council decisions
Focuses on sustainable city growth
Emphasizes long-term planning
Ensures efficient resource allocation
Supports recreation opportunities (southside centre)
Brings balanced, collaborative decision-making
Kaleb Orge
Date Filed: August 14, 2025
Experience: Local Comedian and works at the Medicine Hat College
Key Points:
Advocates for transparency in city governance
Concerns about public code of conduct policies
Focused on bringing fresh perspective to council
First-time candidate for city council
Emphasizes community engagement and listening to residents
Supports thoughtful, balanced decision-making
Promotes accountability and inclusivity in local government
Cheryl Phaff
Date Filed: September 3, 2025
Experience: Business Owner, Former Provincial Director of the Wildrose Party
Key Points:
Tax freeze for 3 years
Clean Up Crime & Homelessness
Quality jobs economic growth
Restore sanity at city hall
Halt needless road construction
Maintain city ownership of utilites
Promote city across Canada for economic development
Steven Pudwell
Date Filed: September 18, 2025
Socials
Na
Experience:
Key Points:
Michael Reid
Date Filed: August 13, 2025
Experience: Owner of YogaRevolution, Former School Teacher (20 years), President of of Downtown Voice and co-chair of SE Alberta Chamber of Commerce Health and Wellness Committee
Key Points:
Focused on listening & collaboration
Prioritizes fiscal responsibility & smart spending
Promotes open & honest communication
Strong downtown supporter
Action-oriented: getting things done & aligning with strategic priorities
Committed to connecting citizens with city hall
Fresh perspective rooted in real experience in education, wellness & business
Brian Edward Robinson
Date Filed: September 8, 2025
Experience: Business Owner; Construction & Project Management
Key Points:
Economic Growth
Attracting Investment
Supporting Small Business
Reducing Barriers to Development
Enhancing Quality of Life
Building Strong, Safe Communities
Kirby Schafer
Date Filed: August 13, 2025
Experience: Retired from the city as a Power Line Technician
Key Points:
Prioritizes municipal infrastructure
Advocates strategic, proactive budgeting
Calls for staffing efficiency reviews
Promotes transparency and accountability
Emphasizes community engagement
Values respectful debate and collaboration
Seeks active council presence at public events
Shila Sharps
Date Filed: September 10, 2025
Experience: Owner of HR Solutions and Sharp Immigration Solutions and Current Councillor
Key Points:
Advocates financial accountability & measurable budgeting
Supports downtown revitalization & economic development
Values diversity and inclusion on council
Prioritizes mental health initiatives
Promotes transparency in governance
Emphasizes community engagement & listening
Supports policies that help local businesses
Kirsten Spek
Date Filed: August 18, 2025
Experience: Owner of Couture Hair and Local Real Estate Investor
Key Points:
Builds prosperity, affordability, accountability in Medicine Hat
Spent a decade building businesses & supporting families
Advocate for small business owners
Wants financial responsibility in City Hall
Supports growth — smart, sustainable development
Focuses on “a city that works for you”
Emphasizes belonging & inclusion for all residents
Committed to a community that’s affordable and accountable
Michael Starner
Date Filed: September 18, 2025
Experience: Works in construction, owns Legendaries Entertainment (AKA Santa Mike)
Key Points:
Support small business & investment
Family- and community-focused policies
Celebrate culture & local traditions
Transparency & resident engagement
Reform city manager role
Practical, balanced infrastructure growth
Durable, affordable construction projects
Greener parks & fruit trees
Boost tourism & recreation sites
Expand parades & community events
Key Points:
Voices underrepresented neighbourhoods
Cut red tape for business
Improve roads & infrastructure
Tackle homelessness with balance
Push for council transparency
Support local jobs & youth
Attract investment to the Flats
David Toth
Date Filed: August 8, 2025
No Socials
Experience: Worked at Goodyear and served as president of the Medicine Hat Drag Racing Association
Key Points:
Advocates economic development & business incentives
Supports affordable housing solutions
Addresses addiction & crime effectively
Empowers city council decision-making
Promotes youth retention & opportunity
Hands-on, practical leadership style
Alison Van Dyke
Date Filed: August 8, 2025
Experience: Current Councillor
Key Points:
Keep life affordable for residents
Strengthen services and public amenities
Balance essentials with future growth
Promote equity, diversity, inclusion
Experienced in municipal governance
Active on city committees, transparent
Build consensus and open communication
Improve neighbourhood walkability, accessibility
Protect public utilities from privatization
Focus on sustainable, livable community
Brian Varga
Date Filed: August 25, 2025
Experience: Retired Professional Hockey Player and Landscaper with LMT. Chairman for the local 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games committee
Key Points:
Former two-term city councillor
Experienced in municipal governance
Focused on community engagement
Advocates local economic development
Supports fiscal responsibility & efficient budgeting
Promotes transparency & accountability
Prioritizes public safety initiatives
Supports infrastructure improvement
Encourages youth engagement & opportunities
Committed to listening to residents
Troy Wason
Date Filed: June 6, 2025
Experience: Executive Director for two major political parties in Alberta and President of Axxess Point Paralegal and Investigative Services
Key Points:
Historian with research-driven approach
Small business and investigative work
Volunteer in history, preservation, sports
Advocates optimistic, forward-looking growth
Balance heritage with new investment
Prioritizes downtown rejuvenation and vibrancy
Focused on quality of life
Believes in good, transparent government
Collaborative style, listens before decisions
Stuart Young
Date Filed: August 22, 2025
Experience: HR and Talent Management in Energy Sector and Founder of the non-profit Cousins Skateboard Community
Key Points:
Focus on youth and families
Build culture, economic growth, safe communities
Collaboration, accountability, belonging focus
Bridge people, policy, and community
Lift unheard voices in council
Connects with Indigenous communities
Tackles both big and small issues
Practical solutions with community input
Advocates inclusive, transparent decision-making
2025 Medicine Hat Municipal Election Key Dates
Nomination Day (Deadline to Submit Papers): September 22, 2025 — 8:30 a.m. to Noon, Council Chambers
Advance Polls Locations & Dates:
Hockey Hounds Recreational Centre, 39 10 St NE — Oct 4, 2025 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), and Oct 14–18 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Holy Family Parish, Faith Room, 1451 Strachan Rd SE — Oct 4, 2025 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), and Oct 14–18 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Election Day: October 20, 2025 — all voting stations open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., fully accessible.
Unofficial Results: Published the night of the election on the City’s website.
Official Results: Declared at 12 noon on the fourth day after Election Day.
Swearing-In Ceremony of Elected Officials: Monday, November 3, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
First Regular Council Meeting: Monday, November 17, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Disclaimer on Party Affiliations:
Municipal elections in Medicine Hat are non-partisan. Candidates do not run under provincial or federal party banners (such as Liberal, NDP, or Conservative). Each person campaigns on their own priorities and vision for the community. For this reason, this guide focuses only on candidate platforms and key points, not political party affiliations.
Contact & Updates:
If any candidate notices an error, omission, or would like to provide additional neutral information for accuracy, please contact me and I will review it for inclusion.
Advertising:
This page may feature paid advertising. All paid content is clearly labeled and separate from the candidate profiles to maintain neutrality. The candidate information presented here remains unbiased and factual, intended solely to help residents make informed decisions about the 2025 Medicine Hat Municipal Election. That being said if you have a business you would like to advertise you can contact me at hello@burknco.com.
Other Great Community Resources:
Medicine Hat Civic Election 2025 – Facebook Group
SE Chamber of Commerce – Facebook // Website
Local Realtor Bryton Wilson has been hosting short form interviews with the candiates. Here is the direct link to his Facebook page, as well as, you will see them directing loaded onto the Medicine Hat Civic Election Facebook page that is linked above. // Thanks so much Bryton for putting these together 🫶🏻
Bring Back the Porch Podcast Hosted by Bernie Leahy + Brian Konrad // Facebook
Jeremy Silver has been hosting the Politically Centred Podcast // Facebook
Events:
*** I am going to preface this with the fact that soooooo many events are going on, I will do my best to showcase the major ones with multiple candidates in attendance, but I can not guarantee this will be updated frequently***
CLICK THE IMAGE TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON THE EVENT
The Comments
Lori
Robert Duminowski is a current city counselor
Burk & Co.
→ LoriOooo! Good catch – I will update that 🙂
ANNETTE OLIVE
Under Andy’s experience, Police Cheif..is spelt incorrectly …Chief is the proper spelling
Burk & Co.
→ ANNETTE OLIVEProofreading: 1, Me: 0 😆 – Thanks for the catch!
Lisa
Would like to know everyone that is running ,what their political stand is ,,example are you liberal, NDP, conservative, or other.
Burk & Co.
→ LisaThanks for your comment! Municipal elections in Medicine Hat are non-partisan, which means candidates don’t run under party labels like Liberal, NDP, or Conservative. Instead, they campaign on local issues and their own priorities for the community. That’s why my blog focuses on their individual platforms and key points, rather than provincial or federal affiliations.
Jacqui Ressler
Thank you so much for putting this together!! Very helpful
Burk & Co.
→ Jacqui ResslerThank you! I am glad you have found it helpful.
Betty Morin
Thanks for pulling this information together, very helpful!
Burk & Co.
→ Betty MorinOh, I am so glad 🙂