The BC Conservative Party has named Darryl Kropp as its candidate for the Abbotsford‑Mission riding in the provincial election set for Oct. 24, the party announced on Sept. 26. The selection comes amid recent political manoeuvring in the riding that began when former MLA Reann Gasper resigned in August.
Local politics upended
Gasper, who defeated incumbent Pam Alexis in 2024 with 55 per cent of the vote, stepped down as MLA in August to clear the way for then‑party leader Kerry‑Lynne Findlay to run in a planned byelection. Gasper subsequently took a senior role in the party’s legislative office, first as deputy chief of staff and later as chief of staff after Chris Delaney’s departure.
Gasper publicly announced on Sept. 24 that she intended to seek the BC Conservative nomination for Abbotsford‑Mission. Two days later the party confirmed Kropp as its candidate. The byelection that had been scheduled for Sept. 26 was cancelled when Premier David Eby dissolved the legislature and called a provincial election for Oct. 24.
Who is Darryl Kropp?
The party describes Kropp as an executive at RedMane Technology and notes he has been an Abbotsford resident for more than 25 years. His résumé, as outlined by the party, includes developing a management system at Cascade Aerospace in Abbotsford, election to the board of First West Credit Union (Envision Financial), and 17 years of service on the board of Northview Community Church.
“His track record is built on fiscal responsibility, effective governance, and getting meaningful results for the people he serves,”
said the BC Conservative Party in announcing Kropp’s nomination.
Timing and fallout
The local nomination unfolds against a backdrop of internal party turbulence. Kerry‑Lynne Findlay resigned as Conservative leader in the days before the election call following defections and pressure from within the party. Interim leader Lorne Doerkson has signalled that Findlay will not run under the party banner moving forward.
The rapid sequence of events — Gasper’s resignation, the planned byelection, Findlay’s abrupt exit, Gasper’s public bid for the nomination and then Kropp’s swift selection — leaves the riding in a state of flux with voters preparing to cast ballots on Oct. 24.
- Candidate: Darryl Kropp (BC Conservative)
- Former MLA: Reann Gasper (resigned August 2026)
- Scheduled byelection: Sept. 26 (cancelled)
- General election: Oct. 24, 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 2026 | Reann Gasper resigns as Abbotsford‑Mission MLA |
| Sept. 24, 2026 | Gasper announces intention to seek BC Conservative nomination |
| Sept. 26, 2026 | Darryl Kropp announced as BC Conservative candidate; byelection date was set for this day but later cancelled |
| Oct. 24, 2026 | Provincial election called by Premier David Eby |
What this means for Abbotsford
For Abbotsford voters, the episode raises questions about candidate selection and party stability at a moment when the riding’s representation has already shifted. Gasper’s public declaration of intent to seek the nomination illustrates unresolved ambitions in the local Conservative rank‑and‑file, even as the party leadership addresses recent defections and internal dissent.
With less than a month until the provincial vote, attention in Abbotsford will turn to how parties finalise their slates and to the candidates’ ability to connect with voters on local priorities. Kropp’s business and board experience will be weighed against the party’s recent leadership turmoil and the history of electoral change in the riding.
Campaign activity is expected to accelerate in coming days as advance polling schedules and candidate platforms become clearer in the lead‑up to Oct. 24.
