2026 Municipal Election

25-year-old seeks Prince George’s top job

Sep 2, 2026 | 4:43 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – At just 25 years old, Zachariah Olson is hoping to become Prince George’s next mayor, bringing a youthful voice and a campaign focused on public safety, accountability and restoring trust in local government.

Born in 2001, Olson has spent much of his life involved in the community he now hopes to lead. From volunteering and attending political forums to supporting local campaigns and speaking directly with residents, he says his interest in civic engagement began long before he entered the political arena.

Living with high-functioning autism, Olson believes the challenges he has faced have helped shape the qualities he would bring to city hall.

“Like many people, I made mistakes in my youth, but I chose to learn from them,” Olson said. “Those experiences strengthened my discipline, sharpened my sense of justice, and deepened my empathy.”

The first-time candidate says his decision to run for mayor became personal after being the victim of crime on more than one occasion. Olson was mugged while walking friends home from an event and later had his vehicle broken into and damaged.

Those experiences reinforced what he says he regularly hears from residents across the city: people want to feel safe in their neighbourhoods.

Crime and public safety have become the cornerstone of Olson’s campaign. One of his key proposals would see the city expand programs that pair medical professionals with police officers when responding to overdose calls.

He says having nurses alongside RCMP members can provide critical expertise during emergencies while helping ensure people in crisis receive immediate care.

Olson has also proposed examining the feasibility of creating a municipal police force in Prince George. He believes a local force could improve recruitment by allowing officers to build their careers in the city without the possibility of being transferred elsewhere in British Columbia.

The candidate is also calling for city hall to prioritize addressing community challenges before moving ahead with major civic development projects. Olson argues taxpayers are looking for practical solutions to issues such as crime, homelessness and affordability.

He says one of the biggest frustrations he hears from residents is the lack of visible progress on issues that have persisted for years.

“We have to take action. And we should’ve taken it ten years ago. But now is as good as ever.”

Beyond policies and priorities, Olson says rebuilding public confidence in local government is equally important. He believes people want leaders who listen, act and remain focused on the needs of residents.

“I hope I can make it so that people have trust in their politicians, that they have trust in their mayor, that they feel like they’re being provided for and they’re being helped.”