Progressive Conservative contender Kevin Russell emerged victorious in the recent Miramichi West byelection, securing a substantial win over Liberal opponent Hannah Fulton Johnston by close to 1,000 votes. The election, encompassing areas like Doaktown, Boiestown, Blackville, Renous, and Sunny Corner, saw Russell clinch 3,008 votes compared to Fulton Johnston’s 2,047. With all 15 polls reporting, Elections New Brunswick confirmed Russell’s triumph at 8:45 p.m. Voter turnout in the riding, which housed 9,956 eligible voters, reached slightly above 52 percent.
Following his win, Russell’s campaign declined an interview with CBC News, citing his unavailability on Monday evening. The electoral victory fills the vacancy left in Miramichi West since March 25 when Progressive Conservative MLA Mike Dawson resigned to contest in the federal election, now serving as the MP for Miramichi-Grand Lake.
Residents of the region expressed discontent with the delay in calling the byelection by Premier Susan Holt, who had a six-month window from the vacancy announcement to the deadline on Sept. 25. The election was eventually called in early September. Genevieve MacRae represented the Green Party, while Christopher Rosser ran for the Libertarian Party of New Brunswick, and Richard (Hoss) Sutherland stood as an Independent candidate.
The election results maintain the existing power balance in New Brunswick, with the Liberals holding 31 seats, the Progressive Conservatives securing 16 seats post-Russell’s win, and the Greens occupying two seats.