These three Greater Victoria mayors confirm they won’t seek re-election in 2026

Three Greater Victoria mayors have announced they will not be seeking re-election when voters head to the polls on October 17th, 2026.

Sooke Mayor Maja Tait, Esquimalt Mayor Barbara Desjardins, and View Royal Mayor Sid Tobias each confirmed to Victoria Buzz that they plan to wrap up their time in office at the end of the current term.

Sooke Mayor Maja Tait: “Time for fresh eyes and new energy”

After 17 years in local government, including three terms as mayor, Maja Tait says she’s ready for her next chapter.

“After 17 years and five terms, I look forward to closing this chapter in the book of life and moving on to a new adventure,” Tait told Victoria Buzz.

“I’ll be looking for employment, as we have a growing son and bills to pay.”

Tait said serving as mayor has been “the privilege of my life,” but she feels it’s the right time to step aside and make room for new voices.

“There are many exceptionally talented humans in Sooke who are thinking of serving,” she said. “I need to get off the escalator so they can get on.”

Looking back, Tait listed several accomplishments that stand out from her time in office, including advancing reconciliation efforts with the T’Sou-ke Nation, securing 24/7 emergency services for the community, adopting long-term infrastructure and asset management policies, and improving coexistence with wildlife.

She says she’s proud of the community’s progress and hopes her successor will focus on economic development and growing the commercial tax base now that the district’s hotel tax will take effect in 2025.

“Residential taxes are heavy and it’s challenging to provide necessary services with the burden landing on residents,” she said.

While she plans to continue volunteering in the community, Tait says she’ll be doing so from a supportive distance to give the next council room to find its footing.

“I did my best and will leave office content with the progress we made together.”

Esquimalt Mayor Barbara Desjardins: “An opportune time for new council leadership”

After five terms and 17 years at the helm, Mayor Barbara Desjardins, who is the longest standing mayor of the three, says she’s proud of how far Esquimalt has come, and that now is the right time to hand over the reins.

“I have been honoured to be mayor of the Township of Esquimalt through significantly transformative years,” she said.

“Esquimalt has blossomed into a place known for its family and community events, excellence in recreational facilities, parks, and livability. It is the place to be.”

Desjardins, who first took office as mayor in 2008 after three years on council, says she looks forward to helping the municipality in different ways once her term ends.

View Royal Mayor Sid Tobias: “A reluctant politician” who’s proud of his term

Elected in 2022, View Royal Mayor Sid Tobias says he never expected to enter politics, let alone lead the town.

“I initially ran to provide a choice on the ballot so that neighbours would have a choice,” he said. “I was and am a reluctant politician with no political aspirations.”

Tobias, who also works full time with the BC government, said there was no single reason behind his decision not to seek re-election, adding he’s had “great support from across the province.”

During his term, he said he’s most proud of improving transparency and public engagement, strengthening relationships with neighbouring municipalities and First Nations, and advancing a new Official Community Plan that reflects residents’ vision for the town.

At the regional level, Tobias spearheaded a gasification pilot project at the Capital Regional District to reduce biosolid waste, eliminate microplastics, and create safer soil products.

He said the experience of serving has deepened his appreciation for local democracy and the importance of participation.

“Democracy is slowly eroding even here in Canada, and we need folks to protect how fragile it really is,” he said.

“Please consider running for council or mayor—providing choice is the heart of representative democracy.”

The 2026 municipal election will mark a notable period of transition for Greater Victoria’s western communities, with new leadership coming to Sooke, Esquimalt, and View Royal.

As of this publication, other mayors in the region have said they plan to seek re-election, while others say they will decide in the new year.

Voters across the region will head to the polls on October 17th, 2026, when all 13 Greater Victoria municipalities hold their next local government elections.