Dave Carrol officially announced his candidacy to run as an Independent for the federal by-election on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Carrol, a long-time pastor, community advocate, and dedicated local organizer, officially announced his candidacy in the Brantford-Brant South by-election, which has not yet been scheduled.
Carrol, a former Conservative EDA President, previously had announced his intention to become a Conservative candidate in a nomination contest. The Conservative Party instead chose to appoint Kevin Davis without the sought-after and traditionally held nomination contest.
Born and raised in Brantford, Carrol has spent more than two decades serving the local community. He is well known as a founding member of Freedom House, a non-denominational church established in 2003. It has spearheaded major community initiatives, including an affordable housing development on Market Street, Frosty Fest, the annual Santa Claus parade and activities in Harmony Square.
Carrol also created the Kindness Project, mobilizing volunteers across the city to support community events and organizations. In that role, he sometimes dons the uniform of a caped superhero called, Captain Kindness.
“Over the past month, I’ve received an outpouring of support and one recurring question: ‘Will you run as an independent?’ While I’ve been a lifelong Conservative, I’ve always been an independent thinker, and I believe that’s what this moment calls for. Running as an independent means I answer directly to you, the people of Brantford-Brant South,” said Carrol. “Too many people in our community have felt unheard in Ottawa. As an independent, I can help bridge that gap, working with any party, any leader and any minister to bring our community’s needs to the table.”
Phil McColeman, long-time Member of Parliament (MP) for Brantford-Brant South, endorsed Carrol’s candidacy.
“Dave’s leadership in this community has been exemplary, and I completely support and endorse his choice to run as an Independent in the upcoming by-election. I cannot condone the fact that an open Conservative nomination contest was rejected in favour of a candidate appointment. Our local grassroots supporters over the last 18 years of election success were ignored and democratic process thrown under the bus,” said McColemna. “Dave’s leadership and dedication to our hometown will make him a tremendous MP, and as an Independent, he will be able to give his full attention to helping our community prosper. It’s time to have one of our strongest leaders serving our community’s interests in Ottawa, that’s Dave Carrol.”
Carrol’s public service has been recognized nationally and locally, earning him the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Platinum Jubilee Award, The Paul Harris Fellowship and the Canada 150 Award. Dave currently serves in several leadership roles, including chair of the Brantford Canada Day Committee, board director for the Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation, past member of the Chief’s Advisory Committee for the Brantford Police Service, and member of the Homelessness, Addictions and Mental Health Advisory Council of the Brantford Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Carrol holds a diploma in Broadcast Radio, Television, and Film from Niagara College and worked in broadcasting and marketing prior to entering the ministry. He currently hosts About Brant on Rogers TV, was a TedX Speaker on Kindness being A Catalyst for Community Transformation and has been a guest on The Marilyn Denis Show and 100 Huntley Street. Dave lives in Eagle Place with his wife, Krissy. They have three adult children.
