Darlene Rotchford re-elected in Esquimalt-Colwood as BC NDP holds onto seat

BC NDP incumbent Darlene Rotchford has been re-elected in Esquimalt-Colwood, securing another term representing the riding following Saturday’s provincial election.

With Rotchford declared elected, she had received 10,952 votes, ahead of BC Conservative candidate Dave Johnston, who had 7,388 votes.

BC Green candidate Sidney Coles followed in third with 5,763 votes, while CentreBC candidate Sid Tobias also appeared on the ballot.

Rotchford was first elected in 2024, when she captured 51.5% of the vote, defeating Conservative candidate John Wilson by more than 6,500 votes.

This time around, the race was closer, with Rotchford holding a lead of 3,564 votes over Johnston in the reported results.

Before entering provincial politics, Rotchford served on Esquimalt council from 2022 to 2024 and was president of the Victoria Labour Council.

She also spent more than 18 years working in mental health and addictions in Greater Victoria.

During her time in the legislature, Rotchford served as parliamentary secretary for Armed Forces Development and Veterans Affairs, a role that included working with military organizations and supporting opportunities in BC’s defence and shipbuilding industries.

Johnston, meanwhile, is a Red Seal electrician and longtime member of the Canadian Rangers. He also founded The North Matters, an advocacy organization based in northern BC.

Coles has a background in journalism, communications and public service, with experience working on environmental justice and human rights issues.

One of the more familiar names on the ballot was Tobias, the mayor of View Royal, who ran under the CentreBC banner.

Tobias has nearly 25 years of experience in the Canadian Armed Forces and has also served as a director with the Capital Regional District.

The Esquimalt-Colwood riding includes Esquimalt, Colwood, View Royal and Victoria West.

At the time of publication, the reported results were:

• Darlene Rotchford (BC NDP) — 10,952 votes (elected)
• Dave Johnston (BC Conservatives) — 7,388 votes
• Sidney Coles (BC Greens) — 5,763 votes
• Sid Tobias (CentreBC) — vote total not provided

The results remain subject to final confirmation by Elections BC.

For more results from across Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island, visit the Victoria Buzz election portal.