Battlefords-Lloydminster NDP candidate Glenn Tait was expecting a "dead heat," but as the results starting coming in, it was clear the stronghold of Conservative candidate Gerry Ritz would not be breached this election.
"I saw my name on a lot of lawns," said Tait, adding, "the reserves were very orange."
In his campaign, the Meota-area farmer focused on the First Nations vote, saying, "they've been forgotten and over looked and taken for granted for far too long."
It was a strategy that secured him the majority of votes in both the Moosomin and Saulteaux First Nations.
Tait was quick to credit much of his success to the many volunteers and his campaign manager, Fred Gopher.
"I owe almost all my support to Fred," said Tait.
He said his favourite part of the campaign was having the chance to talk to so many people.
"Whether they were with me or against me, we always had good conversations," said Tait.
A small but enthusiastic crowd turned out at Tait's campaign headquarters in Battleford to watch the election results unfold.
An NDP supporter, Kent Lindgren, said he believes in the party's platform because it advocates support and equal opportunities for all Canadians in all walks of life.
"We really need to come together as a country," said Lindgren. "I don't think it's a bad thing to care about people."
Lindgren said although the socialist slant may initially turn people off, it makes sense.
"I hear complaints about taxes," said Lindgren, "but we have some really good things because of those taxes."
Lauren Moaning was present at the campaign headquarters to lend her support to Tait, even though as an American citizen and permanent resident of Canada, she is unable to vote.
"If I could vote, I would've voted for him," she said. "I believe he can make a positive change in this area."
Supporters began to leave the headquarters around 9 p.m., as the number of votes for the incumbent Ritz continued its steady climb.
"You always second guess yourself in elections," said Tait, adding he wonders if he could've worked harder, stayed awake longer, or started earlier.
But even with the final unofficial count of 7,652 votes for Tait, compared with 19,055 for Ritz, the orange-clad group had something to celebrate, as the NDP tide swept across the country, securing the party's place as the official opposition and effectively crushing the Liberals.
As for the future, Tait believes four years of Conservative majority, led by a man he calls an "autocrat," will change the voters' minds.
And when that happens, "I'll be around for the next election," said Tait.
