B.C. Conservative candidate Heather Maahs has won the Chilliwack North riding in the provincial election.
"I'm jubilant," Maahs said when asked for her initial reaction at her victory with 55 per cent of the vote, and only one ballot box still to report. "I don't know what else to say."
A central theme on the campaign trail was the need to combat the homelessness and the drug addict issue, she said, adding that affordability was another.
"I'm so happy with the people in this city that they put their trust in me and I'm actually overwhelmed and humbled by this, by this victory."
Maahs captured the seat from incumbent Dan Coulter (NDP) in the initial vote with Maahs getting 11,492 votes compared to 7,777 votes for Coulter, easily winning over the 1,133 votes for Tim Cooper (B.C. Greens) and 473 for independent Dan Grice.
In her bid for election as MLA, Maahs who was a school trustee said she would bring “a wealth of experience, a deep sense of community involvement, and a steadfast commitment to championing education.”
Maahs said while campaigning that her advocacy “extends beyond political aspirations, rooted in a genuine desire to contribute positively to the well-being of her community and the education system as a whole”
Coulter lost the seat after serving the riding since 2020 when he won with 7,349 votes or 41.56 per cent of the vote over BC Liberal incumbent John Martin who only got 5,102 votes and Diane Janzen who earned 2,910.
Coulter made a point of thanking all his supporters after the election.
"Thank you Chilliwack North for all your support!" Coulter tweeted. "I want to thank all the voters, volunteers and donors for all your support. We have achieved so much in the last few years. It has been an honour to serve you!"
