The B.C. Conservatives, once a dominant political force, have seen a revival under the leadership of John Rustad. This resurgence comes after years of decline, reminiscent of historical political upheavals. Rustad, who was elected as a B.C. Liberal MLA in 2005, served in two ministerial roles under former Premier Christy Clark. However, he had a strained relationship with Clark's successor, Kevin Falcon, leading him to join the Conservatives in February 2023, citing "irreconcilable differences." Many observers believed Rustad's political career was nearing its end. Founded in 1903, the B.C. Conservatives initially thrived, winning the first-ever B.C. election contested by political parties with 46.43% of the popular vote. The party produced the province's first two premiers, Richard McBride and William John Bowser. However, their fortunes waned during the Great Depression, which saw production and exports plummet by nearly 60%. Unemployment soared to 31% in 1931, forcing then-leader Simon Fraser Tolmie to establish relief camps, which ultimately divided the party. By the early 1950s, the Conservatives had largely disappeared from the political landscape, winning their last provincial seat in 1975. When Rustad joined the party, it was considered a non-entity. However, a perfect storm of political circumstances allowed the Conservatives to regain traction. The B.C. Liberals, now rebranded as BC United, struggled after their 2017 loss. Polls indicated that many voters were unaware of the name change and its connection to the old Liberal brand. Meanwhile, NDP Premier David Eby faced significant challenges, including a housing crisis, rising crime rates, and the fallout from drug decriminalization. Rustad capitalized on these issues by aligning his party with the popularity of federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. He criticized Eby's leadership and promoted a conservative, free-market vision. This strategy paid off when eight B.C. United MLAs crossed the floor to join the Conservatives. Falcon even suspended his party's campaign to avoid vote splitting and endorsed Rustad. In the October 2024 election, the B.C. Conservatives came within three seats of winning, marking their best electoral performance in over 72 years. This resurgence highlights the shifting political landscape in British Columbia and the potential for the Conservatives to reclaim their former prominence in the province's politics.