United Conservatives ready to stand up for Alberta in June 23 by-elections

News Release

United Conservatives ready to stand up for Alberta in June 23 by-elections

(MAY 26, 2025) — By-elections have been called for Monday, June 23 in three Alberta ridings, and the United Conservative Party is proud to stand behind three strong candidates who are ready to stand up for Alberta and deliver results for their communities.

“These candidates understand what’s at stake,” said UCP Leader Danielle Smith. “They’ll stand up for Alberta by fighting for safer communities, better health care, and relief from the rising cost of living — and they’ll push back hard when Ottawa overreaches. We need strong local leaders who will defend this province and get things done — and that’s exactly what our UCP candidates will do.”

In Edmonton-Ellerslie, UCP candidate Naresh Bhardwaj is a former MLA, Cabinet Minister, and long-time community leader. He taught at J. Percy Page High School, coached youth soccer, and has lived in southeast Edmonton for nearly 50 years. “This community deserves a strong voice that knows the issues and knows how to get things done. I have delivered results before and ready to do it again,” said Bhardwaj.

In Edmonton-Strathcona, UCP candidate Darby Crouch is a communications professional and Grant MacEwan graduate with experience in government and public service. “I’m committed to Edmonton-Strathcona and to the people who live here. I’m ready to listen, show up, and work hard every day for this community,” said Crouch.

In Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, UCP candidate Tara Sawyer is a farmer, business owner and respected rural advocate. She has led both Alberta Grains and Grain Growers of Canada, giving Alberta’s farmers a strong voice at the provincial and national level. “I’ve spent years leading on issues that matter to rural Alberta, and I’m ready to take that experience to the Legislature to stand up for our communities,” said Sawyer.

These by-elections are a clear choice. United Conservatives will stand up for Alberta, defend our jurisdiction, and deliver safer communities, better health care, lower costs, and a growing economy with more jobs. The NDP are offering the same high-tax, anti-growth policies as Ottawa that hurt Alberta’s economy and threaten our future. These by-elections are about protecting what matters and only the UCP has the plan, the team, and the proven results to get the job done.