BREAKING: Ashton wins second term in Penticton

PENTICTON – Liberal MLA Dan Ashton has prevailed, winning a second term as MLA for the riding following tonight’s ballot count.

The atmosphere in Penticton’s Boston Pizza pub room was expectant from the first minutes following the closing of the polls Tuesday night.

Ashton took a strong early lead and maintained it, much to the delight of the 100 or so supporters.

Ashton said he was confident the Liberals would prevail throughout the evening, acknowledging it was a tight race.

“The numbers are bouncing back and forth, but let’s just wait and see, but in this riding, I’m ecstatic the people appreciated what not only myself, but all these incredible people in the room here have done, and I’m really looking forward to representing the area," he said.

Ashton's son Coleton and daughter Chantal were also on hand to share his victory.

Finishing the hospital expansion and affordable housing are top priorities on Ashton’s list as he prepares for a second term as Penticton MLA.

With 94 of 119 polls reporting, he was ahead by more than 50 per cent. The results are not final because votes are still being counted.

Ashton jumped into politics at the municipal level, running for Penticton City Council in 1999. He went on to serve three terms as councillor and was elected for a second term as Mayor when he took the opportunity to run for MLA.

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