(Image Credit: CKPG News)

By Nick Dube

Sheldon Clare

Sheldon Clare throws his hat in the ring for leadership of the B.C Conservative Party

Jan 20, 2026 | 5:33 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare formally launched his bid for leadership of the Conservative Party of BC today. He’s focusing his candidacy on issues like affordability and tax relief – along with economic growth, crime and public safety. However his road to victory may be hampered due to his relative low profile and the need to fundraise effectively.

“We’ve got to stop the destruction that the NDP government has caused over many years and we have to make sure we don’t return to failed policies of successive governments. We need to look at fiscal responsibility, accountability, and make sure that we can actually provide the services that British Columbians have come to expect and deserve that they have paid for with their tax dollars.” said Conservative leadership candidate Sheldon Clare.

One political scientist says Clare – a relative unknown outside of the north – is facing a number of obstacles because of the tight 4 month timeline. There’s is also the question of fundraising as the deadline makes it much more difficult to raise the $130 thousand dollars needed to compete.

“By the end of April, they’re going to have to have raised $130,000 and then a month later the contest itself. So the race and the terms of the race will favor candidates with a higher profile.” said Dr. Hamish Telford, a Associate Professor at UFV.

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Despite all of the obstacles and talk Clare seems unfazed.

“Fundraising is always a challenge and it’s going to be a challenge for everyone. If there is any indication by the people who are coming forward and saying they want to support me shows about how my fundraising capacity is, I think I’m going to be just fine. ” said Clare.

Clare doesn’t feel that being an unknown will hurt his candidacy either as he has only been a MLA since 2024. Clare feels his connection to the North may give him an advantage in the big seat compared to his opponents.

“I think that isn’t a disadvantage at all. I think it puts me closer to the province and the people. The rural riding I represent isn’t just rural I think it’s a microcosm of British Columbia. It has a strong urban area, has farming, ranching, mining issues that are all over the province.” said Clare.

Telford adds the way the party is counting votes may actually help rural candidates make a push.

“Each riding in the province is weighted equally. You don’t have to necessarily win the big population centers, you just have to win a majority of the ridings.” said Telford.

So far, six candidates have stepped forward for leader, with the winner to be announced at a convention on May 30th.