Russ Wyatt seeks re-election amid sexual assault charges

Winnipeg city councillor Russ Wyatt has officially registered to run for re-election in the Transcona ward. Wyatt, who has served five terms since 2002, announced his candidacy despite facing two separate sets of sexual assault and administering a noxious substance charges.

The first set of charges stems from an incident in 2025, while the second relates to an October 2023 incident. Wyatt has maintained his innocence, stating, “I know I’ve done nothing wrong, and I know I’m going to be okay.” In a statement, he cited concerns over city issues such as bus routes, water bills, and poverty as his motivation for seeking another term.

Following the initial charges in March, Wyatt was removed from several city committees, though he remains on those mandated by city regulations. Patrick Troughton, president of the CUPE 500 union representing Winnipeg employees, expressed surprise at the re-election bid.