Rawlson King secures re-election in Rideau-Rockcliffe

Rawlson King cuts his victory cake following his acceptance speech. Photo by Minna Glendinning

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Rawlson King has won his re-election bid for Rideau-Rockcliffe.

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The now three-term councillor captured nearly 82 per cent of the vote, according to unofficial results. King, who was first elected in a 2019 by-election and re-elected in 2022, took home a decisive victory over his lone challenger, Peter Karwacki.

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King mingled with supporters at the Rideau Sports Centre before results started to roll in Monday evening. As King took an early lead, the room erupted into cheers.

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“It’s so wonderful to be at the end of the road, which is really the beginning of the next path,” King said of his win, showing gratitude for the community support he received and highlighting his staff’s dedication.

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“My victory is a result of your hard work. It’s our victory.”

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In his speech, King noted his accomplishments over the past seven years, including investments towards affordable housing and an extension of Alternate Neighbourhood Crisis Response (ANCHOR) in his ward.

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“We did that together,” he said. “But I want to be honest with you tonight. The work is not finished.”

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He vowed to work to improve the livelihoods of his residents by fighting for reliable transit, as well as investments in affordable and nonprofit housing.

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“Your concerns are not afterthoughts… no matter where you live in Rideau-Rockcliffe, you deserve a councillor who shows up, listens, and fights for you.”

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King, the city’s first and only Black councillor, held the position of president for the Overbrook Community Association before running in 2019.

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In his second term, he was appointed chair of the built heritage committee and served as a member of the community services, environment and climate change and finance and corporate services committees.

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Karwacki congratulated King on his succesful campaign.

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“My primary goal was to create space for public debate in this ward, win or lose. Judged on that, the campaign did something,” he said.

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Karwacki added this will be his last time running for office, having previously campaigned in 2019 and 2022 against King.

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“This campaign was built on a simple idea,” said King at the end of his speech. “Leadership that listens, shows up, pays attention and fights for the communities’ actual needs. So tonight, as the song goes, let’s celebrate.

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“Tomorrow, we get back to work.”

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