Former BC United candidate James Mitchell has officially dropped out of the provincial election.
Before his political party folded last week, Mitchell was campaigning as the BC United MLA candidate for the North-Vancouver Seymour riding.
When the bombshell news emerged that BC United – formally known as the BC Liberal Party – would end its run in the provincial election, Mitchell didn’t state his intentions publicly but deactivated his social media account on X, where he had been posting frequent campaign updates.
While some former BC United candidates have gone on to run for the BC Conservatives, that’s not the case for Mitchell.
He reactivated his X account on Thursday, announcing the end of his campaign.
“I just wanted to let everyone know that I will not be a candidate for the upcoming British Columbia provincial election,” he wrote on the social media platform.
“Through this journey I’ve been humbled by the support of my family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, and the once complete strangers in our community who backed my campaign,” he said, giving thanks to everyone who volunteered or contributed financially to his campaign.
“I chose to run in this election because I wanted to make a difference in my community, to ensure that the challenges faced by the people of North Vancouver-Seymour were being met,” Mitchell said. “Chief among them, as I heard often at the doors: traffic, health care, the cost of living, child care, and long-term care.”
“North Vancouver is my home and always has been, it’s been an honour to have the chance to serve the people of my community through seeking elected office,” he said.
Mitchell provided the same statement to the North Shore News, but did not offer further comment.
Many offered kudos to Mitchell on X, including sitting North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Susie Chant of the BC NDP.
“Thank you James for stepping up to run for MLA here. I am sorry that this is the way it ended,” she wrote. “You have been involved in the community for many years, and I’ve enjoyed seeing you at events. I hope you continue to bring your voice forward in the political conversations ahead.”
With Mitchell out of the race, that leaves BC Conservative candidate Samarth Chandola and independent Mitchell Baker to the right of the NDP on the North Van-Seymour ticket.
Chandola also offered kind words for Mitchell.
"Thank you James, for your efforts and commitment to [North Van-Seymour]," he posted on X.
"Your love for our community shone through in these last few months and I am sorry for the way it ended. I wish you the very best in whatever comes next, and will always welcome your input," Chandola said.
BC Conservative candidacy less clear in West Vancouver-Capilano riding
Over in the West Vancouver-Capilano riding, the BC Conservative candidacy is less clear. The party’s current candidate is listed as Jaclyn Aubichon, a stay-at-home mom and small business owner.
But it has been revealed that last week’s negotiations between BC United leader Kevin Falcon and BC Conservative leader John Rustad was led by Caroline Elliott, the former BC United candidate for West Van-Capilano.
Elliott was former vice-president of the BC Liberals and is Falcon’s sister-in-law. When interviewed last week, Elliott said she was unsure of any future role within the BC Conservative Party.
The BC Conservatives were reached for comment, but did not respond by publication time.
As her former party collapsed, sitting West Van-Capilano MLA Karin Kirkpatrick said she was angered that she and dozens of other BC United candidates weren’t consulted on such an important decision.
Previously, Kirkpatrick was planning to retire, handing the candidacy over to Elliott.
But since then, Kirkpatrick said she’s considering courses of action that include cancelling her retirement to run as an independent or starting another political party to give voters a centre option on the ballot in October.
Thank you James for stepping up to run for MLA here. I am sorry that this is the way it ended. You have been involved in the community for many years, and I've enjoyed seeing you at events. I hope you continue to bring your voice forward in the political conversations ahead https://t.co/oov9KlZok8 pic.twitter.com/N4U4bbxSI8
— Susie Chant (@SusieChant_nvs) September 5, 2024
Thank you James, for your efforts and commitment to NVS. Your love for our community shone through in these last few months and I am sorry for the way it ended. I wish you the very best in whatever comes next, and will always welcome your input. https://t.co/OiBMkKYUWQ
— Sam Chandola (@samchandola) September 5, 2024
