Manitoba politicians congratulate Mayor-elect Scott Gillingham

Former city councillor Scott Gillingham overcame an early deficit in the vote count to surge ahead and defeat frontrunner Glen Murray to become Winnipeg’s 44th mayor.

Gillingham earned 53,663 votes – 27.5 per cent of the popular vote.

He defeated Murray by roughly 4,400 votes.

The 54-year-old replaces Brian Bowman, who did not seek re-election after serving two terms.

READ: Scott Gillingham elected mayor of Winnipeg

Once Gillingham’s victory was confirmed shortly after 10 p.m. – when Murray began his concession speech – words of congratulations came pouring in from Manitoba politicians.

“Congratulations to Winnipeg’s Mayor-Elect @ScottGillingham!” tweeted Bowman. “Look forward to working with you in the coming days to ensure a smooth and orderly transition.”

“Congratulations to @ScottGillingham as the new mayor of Winnipeg,” tweeted Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson. “I look forward to working closely with you to make our city safer, more competitive and affordable.”

“Congratulations @ScottGillingham! He’s the real deal,” tweeted Manitoba Minister of Justice Kelvin Goertzen. “A super person and will be a great Mayor.”