Amanda Bittner
Politicians, candidates reflect on busy election year
December 1, 2025
First-time candidates say lack of financial resources and support result in fewer people getting into politics. In 2025 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians went to the polls three times, for the federal election in April, the municipal elections in early October, and the provincial election on Oct. 14. Among the hundreds of candidates who put their names forward, some-perhaps many-were new to the world of politics. Last week a few of those candidates gathered in St. John's to talk about their experiences. Moderated by Memorial University Political Science Professor Amanda Bittner, the panel featured first-time candidates from all three elections, including: Lynette Powell, federal Liberal candidate for Central, Otis Crandell, federal Green Party candidate in St. John's East, and Laurabel Mba, who ran provincially for the NDP in Mount Scio. Kate Cadigan and Nikita Ryall, who ran for St. John's city council, also joined.