An exhausted, exhilarated and emotional John Yap stood centre stage, high above his supporters and proclaimed election night as an unbelievable rush.
The BC Liberals Richmond-Steveston incumbent Yap looked stunned by the margin of his victory winning his third consecutive election after pulling in 51 per cent of the vote with only 12 ballot boxes out of 144 still to be counted.
But it didnt stop Yap and his small army of volunteers, family and friends chanting four more years, as the party kicked into top gear at his campaign office on Chatham Street in Steveston Village.
Its been an incredible journey, as this has not been the easiest time of my political career, said Yap, who had to step down as a cabinet minister last month in the wake of the ethnic voter strategy furor.
But Ive been encouraged by almost everyone thats answered the many, many doors Ive knocked on.
Asked if he ever thought about throwing in the towel when the political knives were out last month, Yap said he never once considered pulling out.
Im human, I owned the mistake and, have the people accepted my apology? I think tonight, they have and Im very humbled by their support.
Yap said over the last week he started to get a sense that he still carried a lot of support in his riding, although he didnt want to get too carried away.
I could feel something, but I never want to count my chickens, said Yap, who came in for criticism for a string of no-shows at several all-candidates meetings across the city.
All I kept hearing at the doors was economy, economy, economy and I think thats what the people voted for tonight.
His nearest rival, the NDPs Scott Stewart with around 28 per cent of the vote at 11 p.m., said he was very disappointed with his partys resounding defeat provincially, despite leading the polls for the entire campaign.
Its not been a good night for us, but it has been a victory for democracy in terms of the amount of people whove voted, said a somber Stewart.
I had hoped wed form government, but I want to congratulate John Yap.
Retired policeman Stewart said he thought hed done well for a rookie and he enjoyed a fantastic campaign.
Further east along Steveston Highway at BC Conservative candidate Carol Days house party, there was no hiding the disappointment at her near 12 per cent vote.
People vote for who they think will be best and I have to respect that, said former school trustee Day.
Good luck to (Yap), he probably spent around $100,000 on his campaign, while I spent around $7,000.
The Greens Jerome Dickey was also a shade downhearted with his eight per cent result.
I had hoped for around double that, so obviously Im not happy, he said.
But this is my first time at this and I still think theres a lot of education needed in terms of what our party is all about.
The Unpartys Mike Donovan said hed be happy to hit three figures in the polls he had 151 votes by 11:15 p.m.
I think were content, but not jubilant, said software engineer Donovan from his home.
But were looking forward to 2017 now, when we hope to have around 10 candidates across B.C., instead of just myself and my wife.
