Ward 3 covers the Central Peninsula – the South End and Uptown area of Saint John. Two councillor seats are up for election on May 11, 2026.
This ward has been politically active: a December 2024 by-election was held after councillor David Hickey resigned to become the provincial Minister of Housing. Notable: incumbent Gerry Lowe is not seeking re-election. Five candidates are running.
Mariah Darling (Incumbent)
| Background | Born and raised in Saint John. Saint John High School (2012), BSc from UNB Saint John (2018). Background in medical research. Currently Education Coordinator at Chroma NB, an organization supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Daughter of former Mayor Don Darling (2016–2021). |
| Political experience | Ran for Ward 3 in 2021 (3rd place, 1,460 votes – just 80 votes short). Won the December 2024 by-election with 375 votes, defeating 10 other candidates. Previously ran as a Green Party provincial candidate. |
| Priorities | Housing affordability, public safety, vibrant connected Ward 3, evidence-based decision-making |
Links: Campaign website | Facebook | Email
Ryan Moore
| Background | Entrepreneur and business owner. 15-year tenure as a landlord, described as committed to community-first policies (reluctant to raise rents just to match market trends). |
| Political experience | Ran in the December 2024 Ward 3 by-election – finished 2nd with 269 votes (Darling won with 375). |
| Priorities | Sustainable housing solutions, creating opportunities, fostering vibrant community |
Links: Facebook | Email | Phone: 506-271-9990 | Frequency News interview
Eric Savoie
| Background | Lifelong Saint John resident. Nearly two decades of leadership experience working with governments, businesses, and community organizations. |
| Political experience | First-time candidate. |
| Priorities | Affordable housing (notes the public housing waitlist has doubled since 2021 to 1,200+ households), economic opportunity (closing the gap between job creation and livable wages), safe neighbourhoods |
Links: Campaign website | Email | Phone: 506-271-3742
Arty Watson
| Background | Local community advocate. Has been lobbying for a memorial to commemorate the 21 victims of the 1977 Saint John Jail fire, including his great uncle Russell Shaw (who served in the Devil’s Brigade in WWII). |
| Political experience | Ran for Councillor at Large in the 2021 municipal election. Ran in the December 2024 Ward 3 by-election. |
| Priorities | Long Wharf Terminal development negotiations with port authorities, tax reforms, sustainable development, affordable housing |
Links: Campaign website | Email | Phone: 506-607-5690 | Frequency News interview (2024 by-election)
Andrew Miller
Links: Campaign website | Email
2021 Ward 3 Results
The 2021 race was extremely tight – the top three candidates were separated by just 80 votes.
| Candidate | Votes |
|---|---|
| Gerry Lowe | 1,540 |
| David Hickey | 1,505 |
| Mariah Darling | 1,460 |
Hickey resigned in 2024 to become provincial Housing Minister. Darling won the subsequent by-election. Lowe is not running in 2026.
Source: Elections NB – Candidate List, 2021 NB municipal elections (Wikipedia), CBC – Darling wins by-election