There were mixed emotions felt by former Bulkley Valley-Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen on Saturday (Oct. 19) after learning BC Conservative Sharon Hartwell had won the riding.
During the initial count, Cullen received 3,599 votes [38.7%], trailing Hartwell by 1,275 ballots.
“We had run an amazing campaign, had lots of volunteers, hadn’t seen any of the other campaigns on the streets so it felt good,” Cullen said.
This is the first election he’s ever lost between his time running for the federal and provincial seat in the region.
Cullen said in the mix of emotions was also gratitude for his time serving the region and for the volunteers who helped in his campaign.
“I think people in the north really want to hear loudly and clearly from our MLAs regardless of if they’re Conservatives or New Democrats,” he added.
The BC NDP, who Cullen was representing in the region, are one seat up from the BC Conservatives with final counts expected to start on Saturday.
“Only in BC could we do this again; have an election that’s so close it’s coming down to a single seat,” said Cullen.
He plans to spend some time with family before returning to his former business.
Something going on in the Bulkley Valley Lakes District you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
