After initially seeking to be a candidate in the 2025 federal election, the vice chair of the Regional District Central Okanagan (RDCO) has declared he鈥檚 running as an independent in October鈥檚 provincial election.  

In June, Kevin Kraft said he would seek the candidacy for the Conservative Party of Canada in Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee. A statement from Kraft on Sept. 18 says he will now run as an independent candidate in 91大黄鸭-Lake Country-Coldstream in the provincial election. 

Kraft said he is enthusiastic about the pivot but concerned about how provincial parties have represented our communities in the riding.

鈥淭he current candidates have been appointed without a true nomination process, depriving residents of a genuine local choice. This lack of meaningful local engagement undermines our democratic process and fails to address the unique needs of our riding.鈥�

Kraft, also RDCO East Area Director, serves on local boards including the Airport Advisory Council, Okanagan Regional Library Board, Okanagan Film Commission, and Okanagan Mainline Football Association (Okanagan Sun). He is a teacher in School District 23 and was a community firefighter for eight years before entering politics.

鈥淜nowing the local issues like development pressures and growing population, the need for investment dollars, community safety concerns, Rutland Middle School, upcoming highway projects, local industry issues, agricultural concerns, and an understanding of both rural and municipal communities gives me a strong leg up in true local representation in the legislature,鈥� he added.

Kraft said that as a father of three young children, he shares the 鈥渇rustrations surrounding rising living costs, safety concerns, and the growing disconnect between the government and the people.鈥� 

鈥淚 have been an Okanagan Valley resident basically my whole life and there are so many conflicting priorities. I promise to fight and advocate for our communities鈥� issues because I have a strong locally rooted interest.鈥�