By Jacob Fehr
FIFTY supporters of PC candidate Amy Martin’s campaign packed the hall at Capitol 33 in Delhi last Thursday evening to watch as election results rolled in. Although they were disappointed Ms. Martin did not win, the crowd remained cordial, and many stayed to mingle long after the contest was called for independent candidate Bobbi Ann Brady.
Before polls closed at 9 p.m., Ms. Martin’s supporters eagerly watched CTV’s election coverage on multiple screens at the front of the room. Loud audio from the broadcast combined with blue lights and fog made the atmosphere feel like a party.
Some cheered after a news host mentioned Haldimand-Norfolk was an interesting case to watch, and when they raised the question of whether the incumbent independent could retain her seat, one supporter said, “Nope.”
More cheers followed at 9 p.m. when the election ended. Supporters streamed in and anticipation intensified as the broadcast displayed early election results.
When the broadcast declared the PC Party’s victory just six minutes after polls closed, the room erupted with cheers, whooping, and hollering.
Around the same time, there were a few whispers in the audience after CTV projected an independent candidate to win a seat. But most supporters remained excited.
The murmurs mounted at 9:23 p.m. when CTV called the Haldimand-Norfolk riding for Ms. Brady, though not everyone seemed to notice or accept the result immediately. Some audibly groaned.
Despite some disappointment, Ms. Martin’s supporters stayed stalwart and waited to hear from her. She received loud applause upon taking the stage 20 minutes after it was clear Ms. Brady would win.
“The results are in, and while they’re not what we hoped for, I still stand here with pride,” Ms. Martin said.
“We spent time where it mattered most: with the hardworking folks of Haldimand-Norfolk, at their doors. And while we lost, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
She congratulated Ms. Brady on her victory and thanked all her friends, family, volunteers, staff, and supporters for their dedication and contributions to her campaign.
“You gave everything, and we wouldn’t have been half as successful without you,” Ms. Martin said, addressing the crowd.
“You held the line, and because of that, we were able to put up a fight…
“You made our presence felt across the riding, and I think we had them scared for a little while…”
She emphasized her pride in her campaign and encouraged the crowd to feel the same. She also reaffirmed her dedication to work for the community.
“While we may not have won, we didn’t go down without a fight… we gave folks a choice at the ballot…
“We can’t go away. We will continue to advocate for Haldimand and Norfolk…
“We do not hang our heads or walk away discouraged; we stand proud…
“Thank you Haldimand-Norfolk, the work continues tomorrow.”
After her concession speech, organizers played Give a Little Bit by Supertramp. More upbeat songs followed, including Boston’s More Than a Feeling. The music meshed with the atmosphere evoked by the blue lights illuminating the room, and as supporters milled around to mingle rather than leaving, they showed they shared Ms. Martin’s pride in her campaign.
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Originally published March 5, 2025
