Blake Richards was all smiles tonight (October 21), as he learned he was re-elected for his fourth term for the Banff-Airdrie riding.

Celebrating at Rival Axe Throwing in Airdrie, MP Richards was declared just after 9 p.m.

Humbled by the support, Richards was thrilled with the result of tonight's vote. "It is always a humbling experience to know that tens of thousands of your fellow citizens put an 'X' beside your name and trust you to be their representative in government. It is something I never take lightly, and I also owe thanks to a lot of people for making this possible."

While Richards was extremely successful in his riding, he was disappointed to learn that Justin Trudeau would remain Canada's Prime Minister for another term. "I really had a feeling, and there was a sense in my mind that people were looking for a change, that they wanted to see a new government. Although the fact that the Liberals have been knocked out as a majority shows there was a bit of an appetite for that. It wasn't quite the result I expected or hoped for, but I will take a further look as to what that means and what the future looks like going forward. I think it will be something many in our province will be concerned about."

With news of a Liberal minority government, Richards says the Conservative Party will have to roll up their sleeves and prepare for another four years of hard work. "This job for me means I am going to have to work that much harder because we're not in government. So to bring our issues forward will take that much more effort and I will ensure that our best foot is put forward here."

At 11 p.m. this evening, Richards captured 71% of the overall vote with Liberal Candidate Gwyneth Midgley holding steady in second place with 10.8%.

"I can tell everyone in this constituency that I will always be there working hard for them, for their families, and for their communities. It is what I have always done, and what this job has been to me. My door is always open, and I am an MP for everyone."