Bhangu Becomes 11th Candidate in B.C. Conservative Leadership Race

LANGLEY – The race for the B.C. Conservative leadership just got a little more crowded. Harman Bhangu, the MLA for Langley-Abbotsford, officially announced his candidacy on February 18, 2026, marking the 11th person to vie for the party’s top spot.

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Bhangu, a former truck driver and the party’s current transportation critic, is positioning himself as the “common sense” voice for the working class. His entry follows the departure of former leader John Rustad and signals a shift toward a grassroots-focused campaign.

The “Blue-Collar” Bid

Bhangu waited to enter the race until federal MP Aaron Gunn declined to run. Now that he’s in, his platform focuses on:

• Economic Relief: Addressing the skyrocketing cost of living for B.C. families.
• Grassroots Values: Returning to core conservative principles.
• Unity: Acting as a bridge between the party’s various factions following a period of rapid growth.

A High-Stakes Contest

The road to the May 30, 2026, election isn’t cheap or easy. To remain on the ballot, Bhangu and his ten rivals must navigate strict requirements:

1. Financial Commitment: A total of $115,000 in entry fees.
2. Broad Support: At least 250 signatures from party members across five different regions.

The Competition at a Glance

Bhangu faces a formidable lineup of MLAs, former mayors, and business leaders:

Candidate Category	Key Contenders
The Legislative Veterans	Peter Milobar, Bruce Banman, Sheldon Clare, Steve Kooner
The Business Heavyweights	Darrell Jones (Save-On-Foods), Yuri Fulmer, Warren Hamm
The Political Insiders	Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Iain Black, Caroline Elliott

The Bottom Line: Bhangu is betting that his “everyman” background will resonate more with the base than the polished resumes of his counterparts. With 11 candidates now in the mix, the party faces a complex vote that will determine its direction heading into the next provincial cycle.