It’s official: The BC NDP has lost the 2026 provincial election and lost its majority government in one of the most lopsided election nights in recent history, and some notable candidates have lost hotly contested ridings, like Richard Zussman in Saanich South.
Instead, Saanich South went to Cathie Ounsted with the Conservative Party.
Ounsted was presented as a community builder who served as an appointed member of the Central Saanich Police Board.
Zussman finished just ahead of Lisa Lapointe, former B.C. Chief Coroner, who was running with the BC Greens.
As of 10:30 p.m., Ounsted had 10,417 votes, to Zussman’s 9,251. Lapointe was third with 6,929.
Zussman’s BC NDP profile positioned him as a man who is committed to his community and as an everyman, serving on boards of fastball and softball associations and serving on the Victoria Curling Club.
“He has also served as Lieutenant Governor of the B.C. Youth Parliament, promoting youth civic engagement. Richard, his wife, and their two children have proudly called the South Island home for more than a decade,” his BC NDP website states.
This was Zussman’s first time running for office, after being one of the highest-profile legislative reporters in the province, winning numerous awards during his time in news. He also spent a lot of time serving as a reporter on CKNW Radio.
After announcing his departure from journalism, and prior to announcing his political run, Zussman spent some time with Burson as vice president of public affairs.
Meanwhile, former chief coroner Lapointe retired in 2024.
“She is deeply concerned about the future facing younger generations, particularly the growing impacts of climate change and persistent gaps in housing, healthcare, mental-health supports, and other essential public services,” her BC Greens profile stated.
