Garett Cochrane says he’s hoping to take the step up from city councillor to mayor in this fall’s municipal election.
In a Wednesday news release, Cochrane – born and raised in the city – said he would run for mayor with the aim of growing Yellowknife “strategically and sustainably.”
Incumbent Ben Hendriksen, who replaced Rebecca Alty when she became the NWT’s MP in 2025, has previously stated he does not intend to seek re-election as mayor on October 19.
Cochrane is the first person to formally declare their run to Cabin Radio ahead of the election. First elected as a councillor in 2022, he has previously described himself as “the first gay Métis on council.”
In his Wednesday news release, Cochrane said he would try to strengthen the city’s services and focus on critical infrastructure ahead of the Yellowknife’s 2034 centenary.
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“My love for this urban paradise in the bush I’ve always called home is at the heart of my commitment to my community,” he wrote.
“Together, we must tackle the challenges facing Yellowknifers – from housing pressures and aging infrastructure to strengthening public safety and community wellness – while accelerating the ambitious work already happening to leverage the opportunities coming from transformative federal investment.”
Cochrane had sought to replace Alty as mayor in 2025 before Hendriksen was eventually chosen by council colleagues.
The City of Yellowknife is separately running the second of its “candidate college” information sessions on September 1.
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From 6-8pm inside City Hall’s council chamber, people interested in running for office can learn about “how local decisions are made and what the role actually involves.”
The city is encouraging people to register in advance, but it isn’t required.
Nominations open in early September. Until their nomination is accepted, nobody is officially a candidate.
