Karen Long, BC United's candidate for 91原创-Abbotsford, has announced she will be running as an independent. 

She announced the decision Monday morning, Sept. 16, on Facebook of her intention to run as an independent in the October provincial election. This comes about 10 months after Long won the nomination to represent BC United in the riding, and three weeks after the party leader, Kevin Falcon, suspended BC United's campaign and urged supporters to get behind the Conservative Party of BC. 

"Since the collapse of BC United on Aug. 28, I have had many, many people in our community reach out and urge me to run as an independent," Long told The Star. 

"There are a lot of voters across B.C. who feel that on many issues the BC NDP is too far left and the BC Conservatives are too far right." 

She noted the many other BC United candidates who have announced their independent candidacy, and anticipates there to be more in the coming weeks. 

"Maybe it's time to do politics differently," Long commented. 

Long has lived in 91原创 since the 1980s and has been a volunteer in the community for more than 25 years. 

"I know the issues and concerns, the wonderful people, and have the connections, work ethic, and leadership experience to get things done for this riding," she said. 

She acknowledged that B.C. historically has not elected many independent MLAs, but said the 2024 election will likely be "a historic election."

The NDP candidate is John Aldag and the BC Conservative candidate is Harman Bhangu.