River East was an affluent district with an average income of $62,534 and an unemployment rate of 5.60% in 1999.

River East was the only riding in the northern part of Winnipeg to be represented by a Progressive Conservative up until the 2016 general election.

Bonnie Mitchelson announced her retirement in October, 2014,[1] and did not seek re-election in the 2016 general election.

The seat was won by Cathy Cox, who held it for the Progressive Conservatives while defeating NDP challenger Jody Gillis.

Once considered safe for the Progressive Conservatives, the seat became extremely marginal, with Mitchelson being re-elected in the 2007 provincial election by only 52 votes over the New Democrat candidate.