In the end there was little doubt. New Democrat Carole James again won easily in the Victoria-Beacon Hill riding, her fourth straight victory.
Despite the Green Party having made inroads in the riding over the past two elections, James led from the moment the first returns started trickling in through to the end.
She was declared the winner about two hours after the polls closed Tuesday, but admitted she was nervous.
“I was just as nervous tonight as I was the first time I ran, I was phoning all through election night to make sure I was pulling the votes,” said James as her election headquarters heaved with NDP supporters cheering for her, Rob Fleming and Bryce Casavant.
“It’s overwhelming to once again have the confidence of the people of Victoria, it’s humbling,” she said.
James said she would fight for the people of her riding “regardless of which side of the Legislature we’re on.”
Kalen Harris, of the Green Party, was a distant second to James, but on election night he vowed he would be back.
He said given their lack of resources and funding he was thrilled with the Green Party showing.
“It was sheer determination and sheer pluck that allowed us to organize and provide an alternative vision,” he said. “I think I have a lot to offer Victoria … and a change in politics is something people want to see.”
Harris believes that when James decides to retire from politics there will be room for him and the Green Party.
“They have a beloved person in Carole James, but I know when she is done [Victoria-Beacon Hill] will go Green,” he said. “The sky is the limit when we do it again and have more money.”
