Incumbents retain seats amid slipping NDP support in Coquitlam-area ridings
The Coquitlam-area electorate delivered a mixed message on Saturday: veteran politicians held their seats, but support for the New Democratic Party in the region dipped from previous levels.
Mike Farnworth, the long-serving incumbent, claimed his seventh straight victory in a rematch against Conservative challenger Keenan Adams, prevailing by "a little more than 400 votes," a margin the campaign reported as roughly 1.8 percentage points — a considerably narrower result than his 2024 win, when he carried the riding by about 15 points.
Farnworth’s campaign emphasised infrastructure work in and around the community during the race. He pointed to ongoing upgrades to the Coquitlam River Bridge, measures he said are intended to "ease local congestion" and improve walkability. He also reflected on efforts to replace Hazel Trembath Elementary, a project that featured in discussions about local investment and services.
“He deserves it. The people made their choice and I wish him the best,”
The quote above was offered by Keenan Adams after the result was declared; Adams also pledged to continue community advocacy, saying he had hoped to serve "as the voice for the working people" and that he would "continue to advocate for Port Coquitlam."
NDP stays dominant in New Westminster–Coquitlam despite declines
While Farnworth’s win was narrower than in 2024, New Westminster–Coquitlam remained an NDP stronghold. Incumbent Jennifer Whiteside won re-election with 50.3% of the vote, well ahead of Conservative Michele Lau, who finished with 34%. Green Party candidate Maureen Curran increased her share to 15%, up from 11% in 2024.
Whiteside’s raw support fell by about nine percentage points compared with the previous election, a shift the campaign acknowledged even as the incumbent expressed gratitude.
“Thank-you to the people of New Westminster–Coquitlam for your support and for placing your trust in me once again to represent our beautiful, diverse, compassionate community,”
Whiteside posted on social media after the election, adding that "our democracy is precious" and offering thanks to the other candidates for participating. Her biography notes service as Minister of Labour, Minister of Education and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and experience as lead negotiator for the Hospital Employees’ Union.
Local implications and what to watch next
For Coquitlam-area residents, the results mean continuity in representation at a time when local infrastructure projects and school replacement programs remain on municipal and regional agendas. The narrower margin in Farnworth’s riding may prompt closer attention from both parties ahead of future contests, while the rise in Green support in New Westminster–Coquitlam could influence the local policy conversation on environment and transit.
- Incumbency retained: Farnworth and Whiteside both re-elected.
- Margins shifted: Farnworth’s victory margin shrank to about 1.8 points; Whiteside’s support declined roughly nine points from 2024.
- Green gains: Maureen Curran’s share rose to 15% in New Westminster–Coquitlam.
All results remain preliminary until they are certified by the appropriate electoral authorities.
| Riding | Candidate | Share of vote |
|---|---|---|
| Farnworth's riding | Mike Farnworth | Won by ~400 votes (≈1.8%) |
| New Westminster–Coquitlam | Jennifer Whiteside | 50.3% (Michele Lau 34%, Maureen Curran 15%) |
As campaigns recalibrate to these results, local stakeholders will be watching how project timelines — from bridge improvements to school replacement — proceed under returning representatives. For residents balancing concerns about growth, transportation and community services, the continuity at the federal level could mean steady advocacy in Ottawa even as party dynamics in the region evolve.
