Mike de Jong to Run as Independent in Federal Race After 'Bizarre' Rejection by Conservatives

Mike de Jong, one of British Columbia’s longest-serving provincial politicians, says he’s running as an independent in the upcoming federal election — after being unexpectedly rejected by the Conservative Party of Canada.

De Jong, who represented the Abbotsford area provincially for more than three decades under the B.C. Liberal and B.C. United banners, says he had been preparing a Conservative campaign for over a year before being abruptly told he wouldn’t be allowed to run.

“This isn’t the campaign I expected to run,” he wrote on his website. “But when Ottawa insiders shut me out of the Conservative nomination, I knew I couldn’t stay silent. I’m running to give this community back its voice.”

De Jong will run in the newly drawn federal riding of Abbotsford–South Langley, citing what he calls “growing calls” from constituents urging him to stay in the race.

He called the party’s decision to bar him from seeking the nomination “bizarre” and has not elaborated on who the “Ottawa insiders” were behind it. The Conservative Party has not commented publicly on its decision, and did not respond to a CBC News request for comment.

From cabinet veteran to independent contender

De Jong’s political resume is among the most extensive in B.C. history. First elected to the provincial legislature in 1994, he served in multiple high-profile cabinet roles including finance, attorney general, and forests, and held the role of government House leader.

He had been seen as a prominent potential candidate in a riding where the Conservatives have traditionally held strong support.

Conservatives nominate farmer with deep local roots

Instead, the Conservative Party has nominated Sukhman Singh Gill, a local farmer and Abbotsford native, to run in Abbotsford–South Langley. Gill says he was raised on his family’s blueberry farm in the Township of Langley and is committed to representing the area’s concerns in Ottawa.

“With a strong connection to this community and a deep commitment to its future, I am dedicated to addressing the issues that matter most to our local residents,” he wrote on LinkedIn.

The nomination of a newcomer over a seasoned figure like de Jong has raised eyebrows, particularly in a riding where name recognition could be key.

Independent bid sets up unpredictable race

De Jong’s independent candidacy adds a layer of uncertainty to a race that was expected to be a straightforward Conservative hold. While he’s no longer aligned with a major party, his longstanding ties to the community and track record in government may appeal to a broad swath of voters.

The federal election is expected to be formally called in the coming months.