Saanich election 2026: Why 68% rejected merging with Victoria as Rishi Sharma wins mayoral race with 17,157 votes

Rishi Sharma has been elected mayor of Saanich, British Columbia, after voters delivered a major change in the municipal election and rejected a proposal to merge the district with neighbouring Victoria. This win is significant foe Saanich as Rishi Sharma defeated two sitting councillors to become the district’s next leader, according to news outlet Victoria Buzz. Rishi Sharma received 17,157 votes, or 45.31% of the total, defeating sitting councillor Zac de Vries, who secured 14,785 votes, or 39.05%. Karen Harper received 5,299 votes, while Robin Morton Stanbridge finished with 624 votes, according to preliminary results released by the District of Saanich on October 18.

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What changes in this Saanich election results?

The victory marks a significant political comeback for Rishi Sharma, who narrowly missed securing a council seat in 2022 by just 11 votes. Four years later, he has won the district's top elected position, replacing outgoing mayor Dean Murdock, who did not seek another term.


This also means that voters also rejected the proposed amalgamation of Saanich and Victoria by a clear margin. The proposal was rejected, with 67.96% voting against amalgamation and 32.04% voting in favour.

Rishi Sharma and the newly elected council will now face several significant issues, including housing affordability, development, transportation, infrastructure and municipal spending. The results are preliminary and remain subject to official confirmation.

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“It’s life changing,” he said. “I knew this time I needed to come in and actually pay a little more attention to what residents wanted, and that’s what we’ve done. “I’m so happy and thankful, but I want to get to work for those that have asked me and have trusted me with their words.”

Saanich voters reject Victoria merger

One of the biggest outcomes of the election was the rejection of a proposal asking voters whether Saanich and Victoria should become one municipality.

According to preliminary results, 24,663 voters, or 67.96%, voted against amalgamation.

Another 11,626 voters, or 32.04%, supported the proposal. The question was non-binding, meaning the result does not itself create or legally prevent a merger. However, it provides a clear indication that most participating Saanich voters do not support moving ahead with amalgamation at this stage.

The results suggest that more eligible voters participated in this election than in the previous municipal contest. Voters were able to cast ballots for mayor, councillors and school trustees, as well as express their views on the proposed merger with Victoria.

What happens next?

Rishi Sharma said he was ready to hit the ground running, thanking Saanich residents for their support and pledging to be an agent for change. “I want the divisiveness gone and I want us all to be happy together,” he said, while thanking his opponents and all the candidates who put their names forward in this year’s election.

The council will also have to consider the implications of the amalgamation vote as it sets its direction on local governance and future planning.

The District of Saanich said the results released on October 18 were preliminary and remained subject to final verification. Official results were scheduled to be declared by 4 p.m. on October 21, 2026.