FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - A political scientist says voters will ultimately decide whether Jordan Kealy’s bid to return to the B.C. legislature can overcome the scrutiny surrounding a criminal charge he is currently facing.
The Independent Peace River North MLA has confirmed he will run in the provincial election after Premier David Eby called the campaign this week.
Kealy made the announcement in a lengthy social media post Tuesday, criticizing Eby’s decision to call an election and arguing it was politically motivated.
The announcement comes as Kealy continues to face a sexual assault charge stemming from an allegation involving an adult former family friend.
The B.C. Prosecution Service announced the charge in June and said the alleged offence occurred between January and September 2024, before Kealy was elected as MLA for Peace River North.
Kealy has said he will not resign his seat while fighting the charge and has requested a trial by jury.
Hamish Telford, a political scientist at the University of the Fraser Valley, said Kealy’s decision to enter the election race means voters will be asked to weigh the allegations against his record as an MLA.
“I am a little surprised that Mr. Kealy wants to endure the scrutiny of a campaign with a sexual assault charge hanging over his head. It is right to run but ultimately it is the voters who will decide the appropriateness of his candidacy as an MLA,” Telford said.
Kealy accused the NDP government of using fears surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump to justify calling an early election. He argued the province’s economic, fiscal and resource-sector challenges stem from NDP policies and said voters should reject what he described as a “power grab.”
Kealy also defended the role of independent legislators, arguing they can represent their ridings without party constraints and work with other opposition members to challenge government policies.
The first-term MLA was elected under former B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad but left the party’s caucus in 2025 and has since served as an Independent.
With the provincial campaign now underway, Kealy’s candidacy is expected to draw attention because of the unresolved criminal charge that will likely remain a central issue throughout the election.