Wyatt’s Endorsement Could Tip the Scales for Mazurkiewich in Elmwood-East Kildonan By-Election

Image Credit: Mazurkiewich, social media

Transcona Councillor Russ Wyatt has endorsed Braydon Mazurkiewich in the Elmwood-East Kildonan byelection scheduled for October 25. Mazurkiewich, who led the Manitoba Youth Conservatives over a decade ago, is running to replace outgoing councillor Jason Schreyer in a ward historically supportive of the NDP.

Wyatt, the current Transcona councillor, cited shared priorities with Mazurkiewich, including the replacement of the aging Louise Bridge and attention to other local issues. Both emphasize the need for practical action to improve infrastructure and community conditions.

Mazurkiewich described the response from residents as positive. “People are engaging, and many are open to considering alternatives,” he said, referring to his door-to-door outreach and community conversations. He framed his campaign as a chance to bring fresh perspectives to a ward that has long elected NDP representatives.

A central part of Mazurkiewich’s platform is addressing derelict or boarded-up houses. He has pledged to be a councillor who is more responsive to residents’ concerns and focused on tangible improvements in neighbourhoods.

Wyatt’s endorsement is noteworthy because of his profile as a sitting councillor and his recognition in city politics. In a ward with strong historical NDP support, such backing could increase Mazurkiewich’s visibility and influence undecided voters in a five-candidate race.

Alongside Mazurkiewich, the byelection features Emma Durand-Wood, Abel Gutierrez, Zekaria Seahadin, and Carmen Prefontaine. All candidates are engaging with residents on local issues, including infrastructure, community services, and neighbourhood development. With votes potentially split among multiple contenders, endorsements like Wyatt’s may play a key role in shaping the outcome.

Mazurkiewich has focused his campaign on improving neighbourhoods and community responsiveness, emphasizing practical steps that directly affect residents’ day-to-day lives. He has framed his approach as results-oriented leadership rather than purely partisan politics.

The byelection will ultimately depend on voter turnout and how the electorate responds to each candidate’s message. While Mazurkiewich benefits from Wyatt’s support and ongoing outreach efforts, historical voting patterns suggest the NDP’s base remains significant in the ward.

The October 25 vote will indicate whether Elmwood-East Kildonan residents are ready to consider an alternative perspective or continue with familiar representation. For Mazurkiewich, the campaign is an opportunity to translate local engagement and high-profile support into tangible votes and potentially shift the ward’s political landscape.