Bob Mackin
Pete Fry is the latest to announce a run for the Vancouver mayoralty in October’s civic election and Kareem Allam says that will not stop his campaign.
Rewind to June 2025, when Allam was preparing to launch his bid to unseat his former boss, Mayor Ken Sim. He told theBreaker.news that one of two things would cause him to step aside: a mayoral run by either a former B.C. finance minister with name recognition or Fry, the only Green Party councillor.
Green Coun. Pete Fry wants his third term on Vancouver city council to be in the mayor’s chair. (Pete Fry)
“I think Pete’s got the integrity and leadership skills to do it,” Allam said at the time.
“I’ve had that conversation with Pete and that if he does do it, I think he’s got the electability.”
On Jan. 30, after Fry officially announced his campaign, Allam emphasized that he is not going anywhere.
“I’m in it to win it,” Allam said in an interview.
“If he had made his decision back in May, maybe things would be different.”
Eager to debate
Kareem Allam at the Oct. 19, 2025 mayoral campaign launch (Mackin).
Allam has campaigned under the Vancouver Liberals banner since last October and vows to work with the Greens on democratic reform measures. Such as abolishing the ABC-imposed $10 freedom of information application fee and to restore the strength and independence of the Office of the Integrity Commissioner.
“But when it comes to affordability and housing, when it comes to public safety, when it comes to restoring frontline services, my approach and Pete’s are completely different and completely separate,” Allam said. “I look forward to debating him on those issues.”
Allam’s first two Vancouver Liberals candidates are 2022-elected former ABC members: School Board chair Victoria Jung and ex-Park Board chair Scott Jensen.
Pete’s pedigree
Fry, the graphic designer son of 32-year Vancouver Centre Liberal MP Hedy Fry, won a seat on city council in 2018 as the second-highest vote-getter. He was re-elected in 2022, snagging the 10th and last available seat.
The last time that voters promoted a city councillor into the mayor’s chair was 2005 winner Sam Sullivan of the NPA.
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