New Brunswick’s municipal elections have brought significant political change across the province’s largest cities, with new mayors, fresh councillors, and higher voter turnout reshaping local leadership. In Moncton, longtime Ward 1 councillor Shawn Crossman was elected mayor and pledged to prioritize public safety and collaboration at city hall. Crossman described the transition as a “whirlwind” and emphasized the importance of teamwork among newly elected officials and city staff.
Fredericton also elected a first-time mayor after Mayor Kate Rogers chose not to seek re-election. Four-term councillor Steve Hicks defeated three challengers, including former Liberal MP Jenica Atwin, and promised to focus on affordability, safety, inclusivity, and long-term growth. Meanwhile, in Saint John, incumbent Mayor Donna Reardon secured re-election by a wide margin despite criticism over budget cuts, while a majority of councillors elected to council are newcomers.
Political experts say the election reflects growing pressures facing New Brunswick’s urban centres. Saint Thomas University political scientist Jamie Gillies noted that all three major cities are experiencing “big-city problems without big-city resources.” Voter participation also surged, with more than 216,000 ballots cast — nearly 40 per cent turnout compared to roughly 30 per cent in previous municipal elections. Elections officials say highly contested races drove stronger engagement, particularly in northern communities where turnout exceeded 60 per cent in several municipalities.
