In Monday’s Windsor mayoral race, seasoned politicians Drew Dilkens and Fred Francis were the top contenders, but a fresh face finished third, offering voters a new option outside of the political norm.
Kat Pasquach garnered attention with her promises to enhance public transit and bike paths, foster youth mentorship programs, and install public restrooms in downtown.
She concluded the evening with 12.25 percent of the vote or 7,253 votes, receiving praise from Mayor-elect Fred Francis during his victory speech for “a very very good and well-organized campaign.”
She also got numerous supportive messages on social media.
Reporter Desmond Brown chatted with Pasquach about her election results and what lies ahead for her in politics.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Reflecting on Monday’s election, how do you feel about the backing you received from Windsor voters as a first-time mayoral candidate?
I feel fantastic. I really sensed the momentum building throughout the campaign. At first, many people weren’t sure who I was or familiar with my community work in Windsor. But that momentum definitely increased, which showed in our final results.
You stepped into this race as a newcomer against two well-known political figures. What aspects of your campaign do you think resonated most with voters?
My ability to discuss issues that truly matter to residents here was key. I’ve noticed strong conversations around affordability in our city and what it means for everyday folks in Windsor. There seemed to be a significant gap between Drew Dilkens’ and Fred Francis’ messaging compared to how we define affordability and daily challenges.
You’ve created a political presence and gained support throughout the city. How do you plan to keep that energy going?
I didn’t go into the mayoral race thinking about what would happen next aside from winning and how it would affect my personal commitments and career choices. For now, I have time to reflect on what my next four years might look like. However, I’m eager to stay involved in municipal politics and see where this path leads me. I want to hold the next council accountable for their commitments.
Is this just the start of your political journey? Would you think about running for mayor again in 2030?
Absolutely! My goal is definitely to run again for mayor in four years. I’m open-minded about future opportunities but right now I’m enjoying my volunteer roles in the community along with serving on various boards. We’ll see how things unfold over time.
What message do you have for the Windsor community at this moment?
I’m truly thankful for every vote I received, and I’m glad that through my campaign I could bring attention to issues that might not have been part of discussions otherwise. I’m really pleased that I managed to introduce fresh viewpoints on how we can support youth as well as promote arts initiatives in Windsor since those areas have been neglected for too long within our community.
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