Bonny Graham is running as a candidate for the District of Hope byelection in April.
Graham announced that she would be running for council Friday afternoon (March 21). The position was originally filled by now-former Coun. Zachary Wells and became available after he resigned on Feb. 3.
Graham is a Stó:lō and Snunéymuxw artist whose works can be seen at UFV, the Stó:lō Resource Centre, BC Parks, Chilliwack Primary Care and hospitals, and recently with the Hope Fire Department. She is an award-winning graphic artist and designer who continues to develop and share her artistic designs through gift products, prints, original paintings and educational programs and products.
This is her second time running for council. In November 2023, Graham ran against Coun. Dusty Smith, Arthur Green, and Hondo Stroyan during the byelection to replace former Coun. Crystal Sedore. A total of 708 ballots were cast during the election, with Smith earning 261 votes and Graham earning 253 votes.
During that election, Smith and Graham earned 108 and 100 votes respectively in the advance polls. They then earned the exact same number of votes on election day, 153 each, to be just eight votes apart.
As of present, Graham will be running against Magnus DuBeau and Nate Brown for council.
Potential candidates must have a nomination application submitted by March 21 at 4 p.m.
The byelection is taking place in April: General Voting Day will be on April 26; Advanced Voting will be on April 16 and April 23.
— with files from Jessica Peters
