Incumbent Progressive Conservative candidate Jeff Johnson was returned the Alberta Legislature Monday night, turning back the challenge of Wildrose opponent Travis Olson.
At 12:30 p.m., with all 80 polls closed, Johnson had 7,377 votes to Olson’s 5,297.
“It’s very humbling, but not something to take for granted,” Johnson said. “I’ve worked hard the last four years and I’m looking forward to the next four years.”
Johnson returns as part of a Tory majority government, as the Alison Redford-led Conservatives were leading or elected in 62 of 87 seats at press time.
“Voters had to examine the different parties and their platforms in his election, and they had to pay attention to who they thought should win.”
Olson wished Johnson well in conceding defeat.
“It’s disappointing, of course,” he said. “I think we ran a very successful campaign.”
He expressed mixed emotions at the Wildrose’s fortunes provincially.
“We got more seats than we had before. We went from zero to 20, 25 … which is good. (But) we were going for government and we didn’t get it, so it’s disappointing.”
New Democrat candidate Mandy Melnyk finished in third place 2,091.
Liberal Gino Akbari rounded out the ballot with a total of 476 votes.
