Poilievre Secures 80.4% Victory in Alberta By-election, Reclaiming Parliamentary Seat

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has decisively won the federal byelection for the Battle River-Crowfoot riding in Alberta, held on August 18, 2025. Poilievre secured 80.4% of the vote, marking his return to the House of Commons after losing his Carleton seat in the April 2025 federal election. The victory was highlighted by Candice Malcolm, who stated in a tweet, "Poilievre CRUSHES byelection with 80% win."

The byelection was necessitated by the resignation of Conservative MP Damien Kurek, who stepped down to allow Poilievre to contest the safe Conservative seat. Kurek had won the riding with over 80% of the vote in the general election, and his move paved the way for Poilievre's re-entry into Parliament. Poilievre's absence from the House since April had limited his ability to directly challenge Prime Minister Mark Carney's government.

The contest garnered national attention due to an unprecedented 214 candidates on the ballot, largely orchestrated by the "Longest Ballot Committee." This group advocates for electoral reform and aimed to highlight perceived flaws in Canada's first-past-the-post system, leading Elections Canada to implement a unique write-in ballot procedure. Despite this, the protest did not significantly impede Poilievre's path to victory.

With 80.4% of the vote, Poilievre comfortably outpaced his closest rival, independent candidate Bonnie Critchley, who garnered nearly 10% of the support. The Battle River-Crowfoot riding is a traditional Conservative stronghold, known for its strong right-leaning voter base. This overwhelming mandate reaffirms the party's dominance in the region.

Poilievre's return to Parliament is seen as critical for the Conservative Party, allowing him to resume his role as Leader of the Official Opposition and directly engage in House proceedings. The victory also helps to quell any immediate concerns regarding his leadership, ahead of a formal leadership review scheduled for early 2026. Political analysts note that while the win was expected, its magnitude reinforces his position within the party.