Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock has announced he will not seek re-election in this October’s municipal election, citing the personal toll of public service and the need to prioritize family.
In a statement shared publicly, Murdock said the past year has been especially difficult for his family, as his wife Rachel underwent treatment for breast cancer.
While he said there is no remaining cancer, Murdock noted that the journey is not yet over.
“Public service is demanding. Being Mayor is more demanding still,” Murdock said. “The full measure of that duty comes at a cost I cannot keep paying.”
Murdock, 44, was first elected mayor in 2022 and formally announced his intentions not to seek relection during Monday night’s Saanich council meeting. When he steps away from office later this year, he will have completed four terms on council, including one term as mayor.
He was first elected as a councillor in 2008 and re-elected in 2011 and 2014, before stepping away from municipal politics in 2018.
During his time on council, Murdock championed housing affordability and food security, pushed for emissions reductions, and worked to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety.
Murdock returned to local politics in 2022 to run for mayor, narrowly defeating then-incumbent Fred Haynes.
In his statement, Murdock reflected on his long involvement in public service, which began when he ran for school board at age 18. He said the experience of serving as mayor has been “the honour of my life,” and expressed gratitude to council colleagues, District staff, and residents.
He also pointed to what he described as a pivotal moment for the municipality, saying the next term of council will require leadership that can address misinformation and remain anchored in facts, respect, and sound governance.
Murdock is the fourth regional mayor to announce a departure from municipal politics ahead of the upcoming election, following Maja Tait in Sooke, Sid Tobias in View Royal, and Barb Desjardins in Esquimalt.
“I’ll always cheer for Team Saanich,” Murdock said.
The 2026 municipal elections will take place on October 17th.
