Overview
In a significant political development, the Progressive Conservatives (PCs) managed to retain control of the Milton and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex ridings in the recent byelections, marking a notable victory for Premier Doug Ford’s party. This outcome has implications for the political landscape in Ontario, especially as parties gear up for the 2026 elections.
Milton Byelection: A Strategic Win for the PCs
The Candidates and Campaign Focus
Zee Hamid, a former regional councillor and mayoral candidate with a past affiliation with the Liberals, secured the Milton riding for the PCs. Hamid, who had shifted allegiances to the PCs, centered his campaign on supporting the government’s plan to construct the 413 highway, also known as the GTA West Highway. This infrastructure project was a key part of his platform, resonating with the electorate in Milton.
Election Results and Liberal Response
Hamid won 47% of the vote, defeating the Ontario Liberal candidate Galen Naidoo Harris, who garnered 38%. The NDP’s Edie Strachan finished in a distant third with 7%. Despite pre-election polls suggesting a narrow Liberal lead, the PCs’ victory dashed the Ontario Liberals’ hopes of establishing a stronghold in the Greater Toronto Area. Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, reflecting on the loss, emphasized the Liberals as the primary alternative to Doug Ford’s PCs in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex Byelection: PCs Maintain Rural Stronghold
The Winning Candidate
In the rural southwestern Ontario riding of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, PC candidate Steve Pinsonneault, a longtime councillor in Chatham-Kent and a volunteer firefighter, won a decisive 57% of the vote. His victory underscores the PCs’ continued appeal in rural areas, with Pinsonneault emphasizing job creation and support for the skilled trades during his campaign.
Opposition and Results
The Liberal candidate, Lucan-Biddulph Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson, received 23% of the vote, while the NDP’s Kathryn Shailer secured 11%. The Green party’s Andraena Tilgner also contested the election, highlighting the diverse field of candidates vying for the seat.
Political Dynamics and Future Implications
Byelection Controversies and Party Unity
The byelections were not without controversy, particularly regarding the ban on the keffiyeh at Queen’s Park, which sparked debate among political leaders. Premier Ford’s call to lift the ban, despite some internal dissent within the PC caucus, was seen as a move to unify the party and appeal to a broader electorate.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The results of these byelections serve as a barometer for the political mood in Ontario, with the PCs demonstrating their strength in both urban and rural settings. As parties analyze these outcomes, strategies for the 2026 elections are already being formulated, with the Liberals aiming to reclaim lost ground in key ridings like Milton.
Conclusion
The Progressive Conservatives’ success in retaining the Milton and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex ridings in the recent byelections represents a significant achievement for Premier Doug Ford and his party. As Ontario moves closer to the 2026 elections, these results offer valuable insights into the electorate’s preferences and the evolving political landscape.
