Former Langford mayor Stew Young launching comeback bid for mayor this fall

Former Langford mayor Stew Young is officially making another run for the city’s top job.

Young, who served as Langford’s mayor for seven consecutive terms and was one of the most recognizable figures in the city’s transformation over the past three decades, is set to formally announce his candidacy next week ahead of the 2026 municipal election.

The campaign launch is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16th, at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91.

The announcement comes nearly four years after Young was defeated in the 2022 municipal election. 

After serving as mayor for more than 30 years, Young was unseated by political newcomer Scott Goodmanson, who captured 53% of the vote. 

Goodmanson received 4,483 votes compared with Young’s 3,796. Since that election, speculation has continued about whether Young would attempt a political comeback.

The 65-year-old Langford resident has spent much of the past year making appearances at community events throughout the West Shore. He has also posted several messages on social media that hinted at a possible return to municipal politics.

With his candidacy now confirmed, Young is expected to once again face Goodmanson, who announced last November that he will seek re-election when voters head to the polls on October 17th.

Young’s return sets the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched municipal races on Vancouver Island.

Supporters of the former mayor credit him with helping transform the once-rural community into one of the fastest-growing municipalities in BC through aggressive development and infrastructure expansion. 

Critics, meanwhile, have questioned aspects of that growth strategy and its long-term impacts.

The upcoming election is also beginning to take shape on the council front.

Current Langford councillor Mary Wagner has already announced plans to seek re-election. Meanwhile, community advocate Lisa Foxall, who has frequently challenged council decisions during the current term and advocated for lower taxes, is widely expected to be part of the conversation heading into the campaign.

The race follows a difficult year for Langford politics after the passing of longtime councillor Lillian Szpak earlier this spring. Szpak, who died from natural causes, was the only incumbent councillor re-elected during the 2022 municipal election.

More details about Young’s platform and campaign priorities are expected during next week’s official launch event.