2026 New Democratic Party leadership election

{{Short description|Canadian political party election}} {{Use Canadian English|date=April 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2025}} {{Infobox election | country = Canada | flag_image = | type = presidential | ongoing = no | previous_election = 2017 New Democratic Party leadership election | previous_year = 2017 | next_election = | next_year = | election_date = March 29, 2026 | votes_for_election = 50%+1 of the final ballot needed to win | registered = 100,542 | turnout = 70.55% ({{increase}}16.6pp) | candidate1 = '''Avi Lewis''' | image1 = {{CSS image crop|Image=Avi Lewis September 2025 Ottawa.jpg|bSize = 125|cWidth = 120|cHeight = 160|oTop = 0|oLeft = 0}} | colour1 = 5D8D4F | popular_vote1 = '''39,734''' | percentage1 = '''56.02%''' | candidate2 = Heather McPherson | image2 = {{CSS image crop|Image =Heather McPherson at convention 2023.jpg|bSize = 125|cWidth = 120|cHeight = 160|oTop = 0|oLeft = 0}} | colour2 = 2CCCD3 | popular_vote2 = 20,899 | percentage2 = 29.46% | candidate3 = Tanille Johnston | image3 = {{CSS image crop|Image = Tanille Johnston Portrait 3x4.jpg|bSize = 130|cWidth = 120|cHeight = 160|oTop = 3|oLeft = 6}} | colour3 = 800080 | popular_vote3 = 5,159 | percentage3 = 7.27% | candidate4 = Rob Ashton | image4 = {{CSS image crop|Image = Rob Ashton at ONDP Convention, September 2025.jpg|bSize = 130|cWidth = 120|cHeight = 160|oTop = 3|oLeft = 6}} | colour4 = 183922 | popular_vote4 = 4,193 | percentage4 = 5.91% | candidate5 = Tony McQuail | image5 = {{CSS image crop|Image = Tony McQuail (cropped).jpg|bSize = 130|cWidth = 120|cHeight = 160}} | colour5 = #dd4c4c | popular_vote5 = 945 | percentage5 = 1.33% | title = Leader | posttitle = Elected leader | before_election = Don Davies (interim) | after_election = Avi Lewis }} {{Infobox leadership election |party=New Democratic Party |colour={{Canadian party colour|CA|NDP}} |year=2026 |logo= 2026 NDP LDR Logo.png |date=March 29, 2026{{efn|The NDP's federal convention was held between March 27–29, 2026, with the leadership convention occurring at the end of the convention.}} |location=RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-leadership-race-1.7582122|title=NDP to choose new leader in March following 7-month contest|last1=Major|first1=Darren|last2=Thurton|first2=David|publisher=CBC News|date=July 10, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=NDP Convention 2026 FAQ | url=https://convention.ndp.ca/faq?_gl=1*108jg84*_gcl_au*MTAxNjY0OTkxNy4xNzU5ODAxMjcx*_ga*NzIzNjM5MzUyLjE3NTE5MjY4MDQ.*_ga_97QLYMLC56*czE3NjQyMjI4ODckbzQ1JGcxJHQxNzY0MjIzMTgwJGo1NSRsMCRoMA }}</ref> |winner=Avi Lewis |replaces=Jagmeet Singh |numcands=5 |ballots=1 |entryfee=$100,000{{efn|Paid over four instalments.<ref name="Rules" />}} |spendcap=$1,500,000 }}

From March 9 to March 28, 2026, members of the New Democratic Party of Canada (NDP) voted in a leadership election to choose a permanent leader to replace Don Davies, who became leader on an interim basis following the resignation of Jagmeet Singh. Singh announced his resignation after being defeated in the 2025 Canadian federal election.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndp.ca/news/ndp-members-will-choose-their-next-leader-march-2026|title=NDP members will choose their next leader in March 2026|website=New Democratic Party|date=July 10, 2025|access-date=July 11, 2025}}</ref>

On March 29, Avi Lewis, the grandson of former party leader David Lewis and son of former Ontario NDP leader Stephen Lewis, was announced as the winner of the ranked-choice voting (RCV) election with 56% of the first ballot vote. The election saw the highest number of votes cast and largest margin of victory in an NDP leadership election under the one member, one vote system.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMZOKCxCujM |title=2026 NDP Convention – In-Depth Coverage – Day 3 |date=2026-03-29 |last= |access-date=2026-03-29 |via=YouTube|type=Television production|publisher=CPAC|place=Winnipeg}}</ref>

==Background== Jagmeet Singh was elected as the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2017 leadership election.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who is the new leader of the Federal NDP Jagmeet Singh |url=https://rutvnews.com/jagmeet-singh |access-date=April 5, 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405231237/https://rutvnews.com/jagmeet-singh |url-status=live |website=RUTV News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2017 |title=Jagmeet Singh becomes first Sikh politician to lead major Canadian party |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/canada-s-jagmeet-singh-becomes-first-sikh-politician-to-lead-new-democratic-party/story-GYam4rzzdMVaDRHC2Y312M.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428061311/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/canada-s-jagmeet-singh-becomes-first-sikh-politician-to-lead-new-democratic-party/story-GYam4rzzdMVaDRHC2Y312M.html |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |access-date=April 28, 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> He led the party in the 2019, 2021, and 2025 federal elections. On March 22, 2022, the NDP reached a confidence and supply agreement with the governing Liberal Party of Canada, agreeing to support the government until June 2025 in exchange for specific policy commitments.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fife |first1=Robert |author-link=Robert Fife |last2=Curry |first2=Bill |date=March 22, 2022 |title=Liberals reach deal with NDP to stay in power until 2025 |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-liberals-reach-deal-with-ndp-to-stay-in-power-until-2025/ |access-date=January 6, 2025 |work=The Globe and Mail}}</ref> On September 4, 2024, the NDP withdrew from their confidence-and-supply agreement with the Liberals, though they did not commit to a motion of non-confidence.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Aiello |first1=Rachel |date=September 4, 2024 |title=Jagmeet Singh pulls NDP out of deal with Trudeau Liberals, takes aim at Poilievre Conservatives |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/jagmeet-singh-pulls-ndp-out-of-supply-and-confidence-deal-with-trudeau-liberals-1.7024851 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240905195207/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/jagmeet-singh-pulls-ndp-out-of-supply-and-confidence-deal-with-trudeau-liberals-1.7024851 |archive-date=September 5, 2024 |access-date=January 6, 2025 |work=CTV News}}</ref>

While the NDP under Singh stagnated in most opinion polls following the 2021 federal election, the party experienced a brief jump in support to second place following the collapse of the governing Liberal Party, during the 2024–2025 political crisis. However, following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation in January and Mark Carney's election as Liberal leader, the NDP collapsed in most polls, with most of its support going to the Liberals.<ref>{{cite web |last1=von Stacklenburg |first1=Marina |last2=Thurton |first2=David |date=March 21, 2025 |title=This election, the NDP could be fighting for its own survival |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-polling-election-2025-1.7489648 |access-date=May 4, 2025 |work=CBC News}}</ref>

At the 2025 federal election, Singh led the NDP to its worst result in party history, both in seat count and popular vote, losing official party status and himself having been defeated in the riding of Burnaby Central. On election night, he announced that he would resign as party leader.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 28, 2025 |title=Jagmeet Singh gives emotional speech and steps down as leader of NDP – video |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2025/apr/29/jagmeet-singh-gives-emotional-speech-and-steps-down-as-leader-of-ndp-video |work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hopper |first=Tristin |date=April 29, 2025 |title=At NDP headquarters, they're celebrating their election-night demolition |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/federal_election/ndp-celebrating-their-election-demolition |website=National Post}}</ref> On May 5, 2025, he was replaced by Vancouver Kingsway MP Don Davies on an interim basis until a new party leader is elected.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-new-leader-1.7526573|title=NDP appoints Don Davies as interim leader Monday evening: sources|last1=Thurton|first1=David |date=May 5, 2025|work=CBC News|access-date=May 5, 2025}}</ref>

==Rules== Under rules set out in the party's constitution, every member is entitled to cast a secret ballot for the selection of the leader. The new leader will be chosen at a leadership convention through a combination of ranked ballots and round-by-round voting. If a leader is not chosen in the first round, additional vote counts will occur until a candidate obtains 50 per cent plus one vote and is declared the leader. Voters can vote online, by telephone, by mail, and in-person at the convention, with the voting period being from March 9 to 28.

Candidates will be required to pay a $100,000 entry fee, which will be due in four instalments,<ref name="Rules">{{cite web |title=Rules Governing Leadership Contest |url=https://www.ndp.ca/sites/default/files/2026-leadershipgoverningrules.pdf |access-date=July 28, 2025 |website=New Democratic Party}}</ref> and abide by a $1,500,000 spending limit. The $100,000 entrance fee has been criticized by some of the party's grassroots.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Puddister |first=Matthew |title=NDP sets $100,000 entry fee for leadership candidates |url=https://medium.com/@matthew.puddister/ndp-sets-100-000-entry-fee-for-leadership-candidates-33ac9ce49158 |date=October 27, 2023 |website=Medium |access-date= November 7, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Socialist Caucus opposes $100,000 entrance fee for NDP leader candidates |url=https://ndpsocialists.ca/socialist-caucus-opposes-100000-entrance-fee-for-ndp-leader-candidates/ |date=October 14, 2023 |website=NDP Socialist Caucus |access-date= November 7, 2025}}</ref><ref name="Jacobin">{{Cite web |last= Moscrop |first= David |title= Performative Politics Is a Dead End |url=https://jacobin.com/2025/09/ndp-leadership-race-social-democracy-identity-politics |date=September 13, 2025 |website=Jacobin |access-date= November 7, 2025}}</ref> The entrance fee marked a $70,000 increase over the prior $30,000 entrance fee in the 2017 NDP leadership election.<ref name="Jacobin"/> One quarter of all donations to candidates will be paid to the party. To be nominated, candidates require at least 500 signatures from party members, at least half of which must be from female-identified members and at least 100 from "other equity-seeking groups," including Indigenous people, LGBTQIA2S+ people, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities. At least 50 signatures will be required from each of five regions: the Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, and British Columbia/the North. In addition, 10 per cent of the signatures must come from Canada's Young New Democrats.

Members must join the party at least 60 days prior to the vote, an earlier eligibility cutoff compared to the 45 days prescribed by the rules of the 2017 contest and the 35 days in the 2012 contest.<ref name="NDPrules">{{cite web |date=June 22, 2016 |title=Leadership Rules 2017 |url=http://xfer.ndp.ca/2016/documents/LeadershipRules2017-EN.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802041130/http://xfer.ndp.ca/2016/documents/LeadershipRules2017-EN.pdf |archive-date=August 2, 2016 |access-date=June 22, 2016 |website=New Democratic Party |publisher=}}</ref><ref name="postrules">{{cite news|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/ndp-sets-rules-for-leadership-race-candidates-need-500-signatures-from-party-members-across-canada|title=NDP sets rules for leadership race: Candidates need 500 signatures from party members across Canada|newspaper=National Post|last=Smith|first=Marie-Danielle|date=June 14, 2016|access-date=June 14, 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160614183635/http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/ndp-sets-rules-for-leadership-race-candidates-need-500-signatures-from-party-members-across-canada|archive-date=June 14, 2016}}</ref><ref name="globerules">{{cite news |date=June 14, 2016 |title=NDP may forgo leadership convention for new approach |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ndp-may-forgo-leadership-convention-for-new-approach/article30464044/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615144036/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ndp-may-forgo-leadership-convention-for-new-approach/article30464044/ |archive-date=June 15, 2016 |access-date=June 14, 2016 |work=The Globe and Mail |publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rules Governing Leadership Contest 2026 |url=https://www.ndp.ca/leadership-rules-2026 |access-date=August 7, 2025 |website=New Democratic Party |language=en}}</ref>

Because membership is controlled by provincial and territorial branches, the voting age varies from 12 to 14 years old, depending on where the member lives.{{Efn|12 in British Columbia and Yukon, 13 in Ontario and Saskatchewan, and 14 in the remaining provinces and territories.}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://foreigninterferencecommission.ca/fileadmin/foreign_interference_commission/Documents/Exhibits_and_Presentations/Overview_Reports/COM0000591.EN.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com|title=Overview Report: Political Parties Rules and Processes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://foreigninterferencecommission.ca/fileadmin/foreign_interference_commission/Documents/Exhibits_and_Presentations/Exhibits/WIT0000087.pdf?|title=Interview Summary: New Democratic Party (Lucy Watson and Jesse Calvert)}}</ref>

Due to allegations of foreign interference in past Canadian federal leadership races, the party's federal council announced in July 2025 that "strong regulations will govern the role of third parties in the race."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/politics/ndp-leadership-to-begin-in-september-new-leader-chosen-no-later-than-march-29-10929222|title=NDP leadership to begin in September, new leader chosen no later than March 29|date=July 10, 2025|website=Pique Newsmagazine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title=Rules Governing 2026 NDP Leadership Contest – Archived copy | url=https://www.ndp.ca/sites/default/files/2026-leadershipgoverningrules.pdf | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725211121/https://www.ndp.ca/sites/default/files/2026-leadershipgoverningrules.pdf | archive-date=July 25, 2025}}</ref>

== Campaign == Following the party's poor election showing, several commentators and party members pointed to organizational and strategic shortcomings, including leadership fatigue, messaging issues, overreliance on social media and identity politics,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Services |first=Western Standard News |date=September 2, 2025 |title=NDP leader admits party collapse tied to identity politics and propping up Liberals |url=https://www.westernstandard.news/news/ndp-leader-admits-party-collapse-tied-to-identity-politics-and-propping-up-liberals/67166 |access-date=October 5, 2025 |website=Western Standard |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Stephanie |title=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/we-lost-touch-former-ndp-mp-charlie-angus-calls-election-an-unmitigated-disaster-for-the-party/ar-AA1GwH1m |access-date=October 5, 2025 |website=www.msn.com}}</ref> and difficulty balancing support between urban progressives and working-class voters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reid |first=Angus |date=June 9, 2025 |title=Whither the NDP? After bruising election result, only 13% of Canadians say they'd 'definitely' consider party in future – |url=https://angusreid.org/whither-the-ndp-2025/ |access-date=July 18, 2025 |website=angusreid.org |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 3, 2025 |title=NDP has lost touch with its core supporters, says a former MP |url=https://www.cp24.com/federal-election-2025/2025/05/03/ndp-has-lost-touch-with-its-core-supporters-says-a-former-mp/ |access-date=July 18, 2025 |website=CP24 |language=en |agency=The Canadian Press}}</ref> Some called for renewed grassroots engagement and stronger ties to organized labour,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lopez Steven |first=Benjamin |date=July 5, 2025 |title=Grassroots NDP group calls on party faithful to redirect donations to local riding associations |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-donations-riding-associations-1.7578275 |access-date=August 31, 2025 |work=CBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 7, 2025 |title=Federal NDP chooses Don Davies as interim leader |url=https://islandsocialtrends.ca/federal-ndp-chooses-don-davies-as-interim-leader/ |access-date=July 18, 2025 |website=Island Social Trends |language=en-CA}}</ref> while others suggested the creation of a New Progressive Party, possibly including closer cooperation or a merger with the Green Party to consolidate progressive support.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenberg |first=Jäger |date=May 2, 2025 |title=I Ran for the NDP and Lost. We Need to Change |url=https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2025/05/02/I-Ran-NDP-Lost-We-Need-Change/ |access-date=July 18, 2025 |website=The Tyee}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Scott |date=June 23, 2025 |title=NDP leadership hopeful calls for Green Party merger |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/ndp-leadership-hopeful-calls-for-green-party-merger/ |access-date=July 18, 2025 |website=CTV News |language=en}}</ref> Failure to obtain over 10% of the vote in all but 46 ridings meant many candidates did not receive campaign reimbursements, exacerbating concerns about financial challenges.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lévesque |first=Catherine |date=June 19, 2025 |title='Big kick in the teeth': NDP won't receive campaign reimbursements in hundreds of ridings |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/ndp-wont-receive-campaign-reimbursements-in-hundreds-of-ridings |work=National Post}}</ref> Internal disputes and a shrinking activist base further complicated the party's path forward ahead of the 2026 leadership race.<ref>{{Cite web |last=iPolitics |date=May 23, 2025 |title=Progressive-left outlets look at what comes next for the federal New Democrats and the Canadian left |url=https://www.ipolitics.ca/2025/05/22/progressive-left-outlets-look-at-what-comes-next-for-the-federal-new-democrats-and-the-canadian-left/ |access-date=July 18, 2025 |website=iPolitics |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Aiello |first=Rachel |date=May 1, 2025 |title='Painful to be where we're at': NDP campaign director takes responsibility for party's worst showing |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/canada/2025/05/01/painful-to-be-where-were-at-ndp-campaign-director-takes-responsibility-for-partys-worst-showing/ |access-date=July 18, 2025 |website=CP24 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 6, 2025 |title=18-year-old candidate who ran for NDP in B.C. warns of 'existential' crisis in party |url=https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-91-the-early-edition/clip/16144411-18-year-old-candidate-ran-ndp-b.c.-warns-existential-crisis |access-date=October 11, 2025 |website=CBC Listen}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/former-mps-launch-volunteer-effort-to-renew-ndp-ahead-of-leadership-race/|title=Former MPs launch volunteer effort to renew NDP ahead of leadership race|first=The Canadian|last=Press|date=September 25, 2025|website=CTVNews}}</ref>

Following Singh's announcement, political commentators suggested that several figures were likely candidates: Alexandre Boulerice, Nathan Cullen, Leah Gazan, Matthew Green, Jenny Kwan, Avi Lewis, Heather McPherson, Rachel Notley, and Valérie Plante.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> Boulerice, Cullen, Green, Notley, and Plante all declined to run before the start of the campaign period. McPherson's supporters publicly called on her to run in the election shortly following Singh's resignation.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kachhela |first1=Riddhi |last2=Mazereeuw |first2=Peter |date=July 2, 2025 |title=McPherson fans launch website to support her NDP leadership bid |url=https://www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/07/02/mcpherson-fans-launch-website-to-support-her-ndp-leadership-race/465969/ |access-date=August 31, 2025 |website=The Hill Times}}</ref> In late August 2025, representatives on behalf of Lewis and McPherson began collecting signatures before the launch of the leadership election on September 2.<ref name="Ramzy"/>

On June 23, Tony McQuail, an environmentalist and farmer, announced his campaign. He was approved to run on October 9. He suspended fundraising on November 20, to prevent splitting grassroots donations with Tanille Johnston.<ref name=":12" /><ref>{{Cite AV media|title=Getting to know the underdogs in the NDP leadership race (feat. Tanille Johnston and Tony McQuail)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQO3d3pzI3U|date=November 20, 2025|access-date=November 29, 2025|via=YouTube|last=Rachel Gilmore}}</ref> Shortly before the first debate on November 27, he resumed fundraising. McQuail would again suspend fundraising on December 23, with him resuming on December 28.<ref name=":13" /><ref name=":TM" />

On July 3, activist Yves Engler announced his candidacy, backed by the NDP Socialist Caucus; he submitted his application to the NDP's leadership vote committee for vetting on November 10.<ref name="Engler" /> His application was rejected on December 8, 2025. However, his wife Bianca Mugyenyi announced her candidacy shortly before the deadline to apply on January 1, 2026.<ref name=":14" /> Her application was also rejected on January 28 on the grounds of being a "proxy candidate".<ref name=":21" />

On September 19, Avi Lewis, an activist and journalist, announced his campaign.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Zimonjic |first=Peter |date=September 19, 2025 |title=Activist, filmmaker Avi Lewis launches campaign for federal NDP leadership |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/avi-lewis-ndp-leadership-bid-launch-1.7638152 |access-date=October 5, 2025 |work=CBC News}}</ref> Lewis is also the son of former Ontario NDP leader Stephen Lewis and grandson of former federal NDP leader David Lewis. His campaign launch was held in Toronto.<ref name=":5" />

In an interview on May 20 with CBC News' ''Power & Politics'', Heather McPherson, the MP for Edmonton Strathcona, confirmed she was seriously considering running for the leadership.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 20, 2025 |title=McPherson doesn't rule out run for NDP leadership {{!}} Power & Politics |url=https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6767026 |access-date=October 11, 2025 |website=CBC}}</ref> She announced her leadership bid on September 28, at an event in Edmonton.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/video/2025/09/19/edmonton-mp-heather-mcpherson-running-to-lead-canadas-ndp/|title=Edmonton MP Heather McPherson running to lead Canada's NDP|website=CTV News |date=September 19, 2025 }}</ref> During the campaign, she faced criticism due to her comments on "purity tests" in the party.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/ndp-leadership-candidate-mcpherson-stands-by-purity-test-remarks-after-criticism-fellow-mp|title=NDP leadership candidate McPherson defends 'purity test' remarks | National Post}}</ref>

On September 30, it was reported that McPherson had raised nearly $100,000, followed by Lewis with around $55,500, Ashton with around $25,000, and Johnston with around $1,700. Lewis reported having the most individual donors with 353, followed by McPherson with 231 and Ashton with 45.<ref>{{cite web | title=Weekly Writ 11/6: Does floor-crossing help or hurt an MP's chances? | url=https://www.thewrit.ca/p/weekly-writ-116-does-floor-crossing }}</ref>

On October 1, Rob Ashton, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, announced his campaign in Toronto.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thurton |first=David |date=October 1, 2025 |title=B.C. union leader becomes latest candidate in federal NDP leadership race |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-leadership-rob-ashton-1.7647767 |work=CBC News}}</ref> His campaign would notably be endorsed by the United Steelworkers trade union.

On October 8, Tanille Johnston, city councillor in Campbell River, announced her campaign in Nanaimo.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Morrison |first=Catherine |date=October 9, 2025 |title=City councillor, social worker Tanille Johnston running for NDP leadership |url=https://www.timescolonist.com/national-news/city-councillor-social-worker-tanille-johnston-running-for-ndp-leadership-11325282 |access-date=October 8, 2025 |website=Times Colonist |language=en-CA |agency=The Canadian Press}}</ref> Johnston, a member of the We Wai Kai First Nation,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Grant |first=Robin |date=September 4, 2025 |title=Former Island NDP candidate seeks nomination in party's national leadership race |url=https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/news/former-island-ndp-candidate-seeks-nomination-in-partys-national-leadership-race-8232882 |access-date=October 8, 2025 |work=Vancouver Island Free Daily}}</ref> is the first Indigenous woman to seek the NDP leadership.

The first all-candidates forum took place in Nanaimo on October 16,<ref>{{Cite web |last=none |date=October 18, 2025 |title=NDP leadership hopefuls meet in Nanaimo for first all-candidates' forum |url=https://nanaimobulletin.com/2025/10/18/ndp-leadership-hopefuls-meet-in-nanaimo-for-first-all-candidates-forum/ |access-date=October 22, 2025 |website=Nanaimo News Bulletin |language=en}}</ref> with Rob Ashton and Tanille Johnston attending in person, and the other candidates speaking via Zoom.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvKNtUnIgfY |title=NDP Federal Leadership Candidates speak at the Nanaimo Ladysmith EDA AGM |date=October 17, 2025 |last=VITV.ca Production, News Videography, & Livestreaming |access-date=October 22, 2025 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The Canadian Labour Congress hosted the first fully in-person forum on October 22, in Ottawa.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aiello |first=Rachel |date=October 23, 2025 |title=NDP leadership candidates make first pitch to voters, pledging 'straight talk' amid 'hard' rebuild ahead |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/ndp-leadership-candidates-make-first-pitch-to-voters-pledging-straight-talk-amid-hard-rebuild-ahead/ |access-date=October 23, 2025 |website=CTVNews |language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto3">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.cpac.ca/headline-politics/episode/ndp-leadership-candidates-take-part-in-forum--october-22-2025?id=ac29aefd-65b4-42ab-965a-d45b10f0b46c |title=NDP Leadership Candidates Take Part in Forum – October 22, 2025 |language=en |access-date=October 23, 2025 |via=www.cpac.ca}}</ref> Ashton, Lewis, and McPherson gathered in Ottawa for the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation leadership forum on October 28, while McQuail and Johnston attended virtually.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaHgZ5eYjks |title=2025 Mouseland Gala |date=October 29, 2025 |last=Douglas Coldwell LaytonFoundation |access-date=November 8, 2025 |via=YouTube}}</ref> On November 22, all the candidates, except Tony McQuail, gathered virtually in Gibsons for a leadership forum.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gibsons youth voted in as president of local federal NDP executive|url=https://www.coastreporter.net/local-news/gibsons-youth-voted-in-as-president-of-local-federal-ndp-executive-11545920|website=Coast Reporter|date=November 27, 2025|access-date=November 28, 2025|language=en|first=Sandra|last=Thomas}}</ref><ref name=":11" /> On November 27, the candidates all gathered in Montreal for the first debate; it was held using a mix of French and English.<ref>{{Cite AV media|title=NDP Leadership Debate in Montreal – November 27, 2025|url=https://www.cpac.ca/headline-politics/episode/ndp-leadership-debate-in-montreal--november-27-2025?id=5b929f42-6e8f-4860-b097-614300a5d9bb|language=en|access-date=November 28, 2025|via=www.cpac.ca}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=NDP leadership candidates to take part in a French debate in Montreal|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/ndp-leadership-candidates-to-take-part-in-a-french-debate-in-montreal/|website=CTV News|date=November 28, 2025|access-date=November 28, 2025|language=en|agency=The Canadian Press}}</ref> The debate was noted for none of the candidates being fluent in French, with most reading prepared French statements before switching to English.<ref name="p574">{{cite web | last=Stackelberg | first=Marina von | title=The NDP's leadership candidates aren't fluent in French. Will that hurt the party's future? | website=CBC | date=November 29, 2025 | url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-leadership-race-french-language-quebec-9.6997030 | access-date=November 29, 2025}}</ref> The debate was followed by an all-candidates forum hosted by the Ontario NDP's northern caucus in December 2025, and a town hall hosted by the Canadian Union of Public Employees on January 7, 2026.<ref name="y551">{{cite web | last=Baxter | first=David | title=NDP leadership candidates acknowledge French-language gap in Montreal debate | website=The Globe and Mail | date=November 27, 2025 | url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ndp-leadership-candidates-acknowledge-french-language-gap-in-montreal/ | access-date=November 29, 2025}}</ref> On January 10, the Ontario New Democratic Youth hosted an in-person debate in Toronto.<ref name=":17" /> Johnston, Lewis, and McQuail attended a forum hosted by the Democratic Socialists of Vancouver on January 15.<ref name=":19">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2xEzmvVQ-E |title=Will Socialism Return to the NDP? |date=2026-01-16 |last=Democratic Socialists of Vancouver (DSOV) |access-date=2026-01-22 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East hosted a virtual debate on January 21, with all candidates except Ashton attending. Another forum was held in Calgary, on February 12.<ref name=":20">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD-on4YpRe4 |title=NDP Leadership Debate on Palestine |date=2026-01-13 |last=CJPME |access-date=2026-01-22 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The second official leadership debate took place in New Westminster on February 19.<ref>{{Cite news |title=NDP leadership candidates debate party's future, relations with provincial wings |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-leadership-debate-9.7098202}}</ref> The next day on February 20, an in-person debate was held in Victoria.<ref name=":22" /> The Elmwood—Transcona NDP EDA hosted an all-candidates forum on February 25.<ref name=":23" /> On March 2, Leadnow hosted a virtual debate.<ref name=":24" /> The NDP Equity Commissions hosted a virtual forum on March 11.<ref name=":26" /> The Edmonton Centre NDP EDA hosted an all-candidates forum in Edmonton on March 13.<ref name=":27" /> The Jeunes néodémocrates du Québec (Young New Democrats of Quebec) hosted a virtual all-candidates forum on March 15.<ref name=":28" />

At the end of December 2025, Elections Canada reported that Lewis had raised $778,869, with McPherson trailing at $415,490. Ashton had raised $231,095, Johnston had raised $142,129, and McQuail had raised $95,093.<ref>{{cite web | title=NDP leadership candidates sprint to final fundraising, membership deadlines | url=https://www.coastreporter.net/national-news/ndp-leadership-candidates-sprint-to-final-fundraising-membership-deadlines-11708102 }}</ref> By the end of January 2026, it was reported that Lewis's campaign had raised over $1,000,000.<ref>{{cite news |last=Thurton |first=David |date=28 January 2026 |title=How are the NDP leadership hopefuls different? Contrasts emerge as they hit membership deadline |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-leadership-race-membership-deadline-9.7063896 |work=CBC News |access-date=4 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thewrit.ca/p/avi-lewis-has-wide-lead-in-ndp-leadership|title=Avi Lewis has wide lead in NDP fundraising|first=Éric|last=Grenier|website=www.thewrit.ca}}</ref>

On January 11, Ashton's campaign was criticized for answering questions on Reddit using generative artificial intelligence, despite his criticism of the technology.<ref name=":25">{{Cite web |last=Thurton |first=David |date=13 January 2026 |title=NDP leadership candidate apologizes for using AI to respond to Reddit questions |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/rob-ashton-artificial-intelligence-ndp-ama-9.7043887 |website=CBC News}}</ref> He previously made headlines for stating that Lewis's style of leadership would "divide" the party.<ref>{{cite news |last=Thurton |first=David |date=11 January 2026 |title=The NDP leadership race is a nail-biter. But is anyone paying attention? |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-leadership-race-front-runners-9.7040374 |work=CBC News |access-date=4 April 2026}}</ref>

In March 2026, the party reported that its membership had risen to approximately 100,000 before the vote.<ref name="VotingBegins">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/voting-ndp-leadership-race-convention-9.7119241|author=von Stackelberg, Marina|title=Voting begins for new federal NDP leader as Lewis dominates fundraising|work=CBC News|date=March 9, 2026|access-date=March 10, 2026}}</ref> On March 11, 2026, Nunavut MP Lori Idlout defected from the NDP to the Liberal Party; she had previously appeared at a Lewis campaign event in Ottawa.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-03-11|title=Nunavut MP Lori Idlout cites Northern priorities in joining Liberals|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-nunavut-mp-lori-idlout-cites-northern-priorities-in-joining-liberals/|access-date=2026-03-11|work=The Globe and Mail|language=en-CA}}</ref> On March 16, 2026, the ''Toronto Star'' reported that McPherson's campaign had approached Ashton to form an electoral pact; Ashton's campaign declined the request.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramzy |first=Mark |date=2026-03-16 |title=NDP leadership hopeful rebuffed opponent’s offer of second-ballot support |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/ndp-leadership-hopeful-rebuffed-opponents-offer-of-second-ballot-support/article_0e854dca-fb0f-4c7e-bd7d-475c86ba6357.html |access-date=2026-03-21 |website=Toronto Star |language=en}}</ref> Tony McQuail and Tanille Johnston had previously cross endorsed each other.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-01-21 |title=Who are the candidates for the federal NDP leadership? |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-who-are-the-candidates-for-the-federal-ndp-leadership/ |access-date=2026-04-09 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}}</ref> On March 28, a candidate showcase took place during the party's convention in Winnipeg, in the last event before the leadership announcement. Shortly before the end of the campaign, it was reported that Lewis had raised nearly $1.5 million with over 11,000 donors, followed by McPherson with over $700,000 and over 4,000 donors. Ashton raised nearly $400,000 with over 2,300 donors, Johnston raised nearly $200,000 with nearly 2,000 donors, and McQuail raised over $120,000 with over 1,000 donors.<ref>https://www.readtheorchard.org/p/a-deepish-dive-into-the-federal-ndp</ref><ref>https://www.thewrit.ca/p/lewis-fundraising-lead-and-front</ref>

==Timeline==

=== 2025 === * April 28 – The 2025 Canadian federal election was held. The New Democratic Party was reduced to seven seats and lost official party status for the first time since 1993. Party leader Jagmeet Singh, who was defeated in Burnaby Central, announced that he would step down once an interim leader was appointed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Zimonjic |first1=Peter |date=April 29, 2025 |title=An emotional Singh steps down with NDP set to lose party status |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/jagmeet-singh-ndp-election-results-1.7520955 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |publisher=CBC News}}</ref> * May 5 – The party's federal council named Don Davies, MP for Vancouver Kingsway, as interim leader following consultations with the party's parliamentary caucus.<ref name="interim">{{cite news |date=May 5, 2025 |title=Don Davies chosen as interim NDP leader |url=https://www.coastreporter.net/national-news/cp-newsalert-don-davies-chosen-as-interim-ndp-leader-10613627 |access-date=May 5, 2025 |work=Coast Reporter |agency=Canadian Press}}</ref> * May 10 – NDP MPs Leah Gazan, Lori Idlout, and Jenny Kwan write a letter to the party's executive and council saying they were not properly consulted in the selection of Davies as interim leader. The letter says that the party executive and other MPs did not hold caucus discussions or provide a timeline. In a statement for a May 16 story in ''The Globe and Mail'', NDP national director Lucy Watson said that the federal council had sole responsibility for choosing an interim leader under the constitution.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bailey |first=Ian |date=May 16, 2025 |title=NDP caucus members dispute appointment of interim leader Don Davies |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-ndp-caucus-members-letter-interim-leader-don-davies/ |access-date=May 16, 2025 |work=The Globe and Mail}}</ref> * June 23 – Environmentalist and farmer Tony McQuail announces his intention to run for the NDP leadership.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Scott |date=June 23, 2025 |title=NDP leadership hopeful calls for Green Party merger |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/ndp-leadership-hopeful-calls-for-green-party-merger/ |access-date=October 14, 2025 |website=CTVNews |language=en}}</ref> * July 3 – Activist Yves Engler announces his intention to run for the NDP leadership.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 3, 2025 |title=NDP Socialist Caucus Nominates Montreal Author and Activist Yves Engler for NDP Leader |url=https://ndpsocialists.ca/ndp-socialist-caucus-nominates-montreal-author-and-activist-yves-engler-for-ndp-leader/ |access-date=October 14, 2025 |website=NDP Socialist Caucus |language=en-CA}}</ref><ref name="auto13">{{Cite web |last=Aiello |first=Rachel |date=July 8, 2025 |title=NDP launch 2025 campaign review before triggering leadership race |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/post-singh-soul-searching-ndp-launches-summerlong-review-and-renewal-process/ |website=CTVNews}}</ref> * July 10 – The party's federal council meets to discuss a schedule and logistics for the leadership election; it decides the campaign period will be between September 2025 and March 2026. It also decides that the convention will be held concurrently with the party's federal convention in Winnipeg, Manitoba.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haws |first=Emily |date=July 10, 2025 |title=NDP to choose next party leader in March |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-new-democratic-party-leadership-race/ |website=The Globe and Mail |via=}}</ref><ref name="auto13" /> * August 20 – Leadership application package available.<ref name="dates2">{{Cite web |title=Canada's NDP announces date of first official leadership debate |url=https://www.ndp.ca/news/canadas-ndp-announces-date-first-leadership-debate |website=New Democratic Party}}</ref> * September 2 – Leadership campaign period start date.<ref name="Rules" /> * September 19 – Activist and journalist Avi Lewis announces his candidacy for the NDP leadership.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2025 |title=Toronto Campaign Launch – Lewis for Leader – National |url=https://act.lewisforleader.ca/toronto-campaign-launch?r=BO9r8yDm |access-date=September 22, 2025 |website=act.lewisforleader.ca}}</ref> * September 28 – MP for Edmonton Strathcona Heather McPherson announces her candidacy for the NDP leadership.<ref name="StarMacpherson" /> * October 1 – Union leader and longshoreman Rob Ashton announces his candidacy for the NDP leadership.<ref name="Ashton" /> * October 8 – City councillor Tanille Johnston announces her candidacy for the NDP leadership.<ref name=":8" /> * October 9 – Tony McQuail's candidacy is approved by the NDP's leadership vote committee.<ref name="McQ">{{cite news |title=McQuail approved to run for federal NDP leadership position |url=https://midwesternnewspapers.com/mcquail-approved-to-run-for-federal-ndp-leadership-position/ |access-date=October 10, 2025 |work=Midwestern Newspaper Corp |date=October 10, 2025}}</ref> * October 16 – The Nanaimo—Ladysmith NDP EDA hosted an all-candidates forum.<ref name=":7" /> * October 22 – Leadership candidate forum hosted by the Canadian Labour Congress.<ref name="dates2" /> * October 28 – Candidates forum hosted by the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation.<ref name=":9" /> * October 31 – Deadline for the second $25,000 instalment of the deposit fee.<ref name="Rules" /> * November 10 – Yves Engler submits his application to enter the leadership contest.<ref name="Engler"/> * November 20 – Tony McQuail temporarily suspends fundraising, encouraging supporters to donate to Tanille Johnston instead.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DRSrn1YAXxC/?img_index=1 |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> * November 22 – The West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country NDP EDA hosted an all-candidates forum.<ref name=":11" /> * November 27 – First official leadership debate.<ref name="dates2" /> Tony McQuail resumes fundraising.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|title=Instagram|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DRkymHPDl8I/?img_index=1|website=www.instagram.com|access-date=November 28, 2025}}</ref> * December 2 – The Ontario NDP Northern Caucus hosted an all-candidates forum.<ref name=":11" /> * December 8 – The NDP sends Yves Engler a letter confirming his ineligibility to run after an independent review committee upheld an earlier decision by the NDP's vetting committee.<ref name=Engler>{{cite news |last1=Mohamed |first1=Rahim |title='The Engler bus is coming': Activist vows to fight on after getting rejected from NDP leadership race |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/the-engler-bus-is-coming-activist-vows-to-fight-on-after-getting-rejected-from-ndp-leadership-race |access-date=December 11, 2025 |work=National Post |date=December 10, 2025}}</ref> * December 23 – Tony McQuail again temporarily suspends fundraising, encouraging supporters to donate to Tanille Johnston instead.<ref name=":TM">{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DSnR2yFDiYy/?img_index=1|title=Instagram|website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> * December 28 – Tony McQuail resumes fundraising.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DS07wwsAUvN/|title=Instagram|website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> * December 30 – Deadline for the third $25,000 instalment of the deposit fee.<ref name="Rules" /> * December 31 – Bianca Mugyenyi submits her application to run as a candidate.<ref name="Mugyenyi"/> === 2026 === * January 1 – Deadline for leadership candidate application documents to have been completed and received by the Leadership Vote Committee.<ref name="Rules" /> * January 7 – The Canadian Union of Public Employees hosts a virtual all-candidates forum.<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":18">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyeNNBq7ISg |title=Townhall with Federal NPD Leadership Candidates 2026 |date=2026-01-12 |last= |access-date=2026-01-18 |via=YouTube|publisher=Canadian Union of Public Employees}}</ref> * January 10 – The Ontario New Democratic Youth held a debate in Toronto.<ref name=":16" /> * January 15 – Democratic Socialists of Vancouver host a virtual forum.<ref name=":19" /> * January 21 – Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East hosts a virtual debate.<ref name=":20" /> * January 28 – Membership cut-off date. Fourth $25,000 installment of the deposit fee is due<ref name="Rules" /> Bianca Mugyeni's rejection by the leadership vote committee is announced.<ref name=":21" /> * January 31 – Candidate registration deadline.<ref name="Rules" /> Five candidates confirmed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NDP sets final 5 candidates for leadership race to replace Jagmeet Singh - National {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/11644058/ndp-leadership-candidates-2026/ |access-date=2026-02-05 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}</ref> * February 12 – The Calgary Confederation NDP EDA hosted an all-candidates forum. * February 19 – Second official leadership debate in New Westminster.<ref name="dates2" /><ref name="FebDebate">{{cite news |title=NDP leadership candidates sprint to final fundraising, membership deadlines |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/canada/2026/01/07/ndp-leadership-candidates-sprint-to-final-fundraising-membership-deadlines/ |access-date=January 7, 2026 |work=CP24 |agency=The Canadian Press |date=January 7, 2026}}</ref> * February 20 – The Victoria NDP EDA held an in-person debate.<ref name=":22" /> * February 25 – The Elmwood—Transcona NDP EDA hosted an all-candidates forum.<ref name=":23" /> * March 2 – Leadnow hosted a virtual debate.<ref name=":24" /> * March 9 – Voting opens at 12:01 a.m. ET.<ref name="Rules" /> * March 10 – Nunavut MP Lori Idlout crosses the floor to the Liberals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crowther |first=Hunter |date=2026-03-11 |title=NDP MP crosses floor to join Liberals, putting Carney two seats shy of majority |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/canada/2026/03/11/ndp-mp-crosses-floor-to-join-liberals-putting-carney-two-seats-shy-of-majority/ |access-date=2026-03-11 |website=CP24 |language=en}}</ref> * March 11 – The NDP Equity Commissions hosted an all-candidates forum.<ref name=":26" /> * March 13 – The Edmonton Centre NDP EDA hosted an all-candidates forum in Edmonton.<ref name=":27" /> * March 15 – The Jeunes néodémocrates du Québec (Young New Democrats of Quebec) hosted a virtual all-candidates forum.<ref name=":28" /> * March 27 – NDP federal convention began. * March 28 – Final day of voting in leadership election. Voting closed at 7 p.m. ET. Candidate showcase.<ref name="Rules" /> * March 29 – Avi Lewis wins the leadership race with 56% of the vote. Final day of federal convention.<ref name="dates2" />

==Candidates== === Approved === Candidates who were approved by the party's leadership vote committee and paid the $100,000 deposit fee.<ref name="official">{{cite web |title=Leadership Contestants |url=https://leadership.ndp.ca/contestants |website=New Democratic Party of Canada |access-date=January 29, 2026}}</ref> As of October 14, 2025, all five approved candidates—Ashton, Johnston, Lewis, McPherson, and McQuail—also registered their campaigns with Elections Canada.<ref name="EC">{{cite web |title=Current leadership contestants |url=https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=fin&document=index&dir=oth/lea/lis&lang=e |website=Elections Canada |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=October 10, 2025}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;" |- ! colspan="2" style="width:110px;" | Candidate !scope="col"| Background !scope="col"| Candidacy !scope="col"| Campaign !scope="col"| Ref. |- | scope="row" data-sort-value="Ashton, Rob" | border|157x157px{{br}}'''Rob Ashton''' | style="background:#183922 | | *President of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (2016–present) | : '''Announced:''' October 1, 2025 : '''Campaign slogan:''' A Voice for Everyday People : '''Campaign slogan (French):''' Une voix pour les gens ordinaires | 200x200px [https://robashton.ca/endorsements/ Endorsements]{{br}}[https://www.robashton.ca/ Website] |<ref name="Ramzy">{{cite news |last1=Ramzy |first1=Mark |date=August 27, 2025 |title=Heather McPherson, Avi Lewis prepare NDP leadership bids |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/heather-mcpherson-avi-lewis-prepare-ndp-leadership-bids/article_2d65de8b-66f3-4e27-82ce-b354769f692e.html |access-date=August 27, 2025 |work=Toronto Star}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/filmmaker-journalist-avi-lewis-to-enter-ndp-leadership-race/|title=Avi Lewis launches NDP leadership bid as Heather McPherson prepares campaign|first=|last=|date=September 19, 2025|website=CTV News|agency=The Canadian Press}}</ref><ref name="Ashton">{{cite news |last1=Thurton |first1=David |title=B.C. union leader becomes latest candidate in federal NDP leadership race |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-leadership-rob-ashton-1.7647767 |access-date=October 1, 2025 |work=CBC News |date=October 1, 2025}}</ref> |- | scope="row" data-sort-value="Johnston, Tanille" | {{CSS image crop|Image=Tanille Johnston Portrait 3x4.jpg|bSize=130|cWidth=120|cHeight=160|oTop=3|oLeft=6}}{{br}}'''Tanille Johnston''' | style= "background:#800080| | *Campbell River City Councillor (2022–present) *Candidate in North Island—Powell River (2025) | : '''Announced:''' October 8, 2025 : '''Campaign slogan:''' Forward. Together. : '''Campaign slogan (French):''' Avancer. Ensemble. | 250px [https://www.tanille.ca/endorsements Endorsements]{{br}}[https://tanille.ca/ Website] |<ref name="Ramzy" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Grant |first1=Robin |title=Campbell River's Tanille Johnston announces run for NDP leadership |url=https://www.campbellrivermirror.com/local-news/campbell-rivers-tanille-johnston-announces-run-for-ndp-leadership-8296801 |access-date=October 9, 2025 |work=Campbell River Mirror |date=October 9, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=City councillor, social worker Tanille Johnston running for NDP leadership |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/city-councillor-social-worker-tanille-johnston-running-for-ndp-leadership/ |access-date=October 9, 2025 |work=CTV News |agency=Canadian Press |date=October 9, 2025}}</ref> |- | scope="row" data-sort-value="Lewis, Avi" | border|157x157px{{br}}'''Avi Lewis''' | style="background:#5D8D4F | | *Candidate in Vancouver Centre (2025) and West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country (2021) *Co-creator of the Leap Manifesto (2015) | : '''Announced:''' September 19, 2025 : '''Campaign slogan:''' For the Many, not the Money : '''Campaign slogan (French):''' Pour les gens, pas l'argent | 200x200px [https://lewisforleader.ca/endorsements/ Endorsements]{{br}}[https://www.lewisforleader.ca/ Website] | |<ref name=":10">{{cite news |last1=Searle |first1=Tyler |title=Freeland perfect fit for Liberal leader, two Winnipeg MPs say |url=https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2025/01/15/freeland-perfect-fit-for-liberal-leader-two-winnipeg-mps-say |access-date=January 16, 2025 |publisher=Winnipeg Free Press |date=January 15, 2025}}</ref><ref name="LewisStar">{{cite news |title=Toronto Star Avi Lewis to launch federal NDP leadership campaign |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/avi-lewis-to-launch-federal-ndp-leadership-campaign/article_96161878-a5b9-4632-9ad6-44d42147af7b.html |access-date=September 19, 2025 |work=Toronto Star |date=September 19, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramzy |first1=Mark |title=Avi Lewis launches federal NDP leadership campaign |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/avi-lewis-launches-federal-ndp-leadership-campaign/article_96161878-a5b9-4632-9ad6-44d42147af7b.html |access-date=September 19, 2025 |work=Toronto Star |date=September 19, 2025}}</ref> |- | scope="row" data-sort-value="McPherson, Heather" | border|157x157px{{br}}'''Heather McPherson''' | style="background:#2CCCD3| | *MP for Edmonton Strathcona (2019–present) *Foreign Affairs Critic (2021–2025) *Whip of the NDP (2024–2025) | : '''Announced:''' September 28, 2025 : '''Campaign slogan:''' Change Starts with Us : '''Campaign slogan (French):''' À nous le changement | 200x200px [https://www.heathermcpherson.ca/endorsements Endorsements]{{br}}[https://www.heathermcpherson.ca/ Website] |<ref name="StarMacpherson">{{cite news |last1=Ramzy |first1=Mark |title=Heather McPherson launches NDP leadership campaign with nod from former Alberta premier Rachel Notley |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/heather-mcpherson-launches-ndp-leadership-campaign-with-nod-from-former-alberta-premier-rachel-notley/article_d7a357b4-fa20-4ef4-b43b-b98963248fa8.html |access-date=September 28, 2025 |work=Toronto Star |date=September 28, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Thurton |first1=David |title=Edmonton MP Heather McPherson enters NDP Leadership race |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/edmonton-mp-heather-mcpherson-enters-ndp-leadership-race-1.7645303 |access-date=September 28, 2025 |work=CBC News |date=September 28, 2025}}</ref> |- | scope="row" data-sort-value="Tony McQuail" | border|157x157px{{br}}'''Tony McQuail''' | style="background:#dd4c4c| | scope="row" data-sort-value= | *Five-time federal NDP candidate in Huron—Bruce *Three-time Ontario NDP candidate in Huron—Bruce *Executive assistant to former Ontario Agriculture minister Elmer Buchanan (1990–1995) *Three-term Huron County Board of Education trustee | : '''Announced:''' June 23, 2025 : '''Approved:''' October 9, 2025 : '''Campaign slogan:''' From the Ground Up : '''Campaign slogan (French):''' Depuis la base (translation) | 200x200px Endorsements{{br}}[https://tonymcquailgreenprogressive.ca/ Website] |<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Scott |date=June 23, 2025 |title=NDP leadership hopeful calls for Green Party merger |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/london/article/ndp-leadership-hopeful-calls-for-green-party-merger/ |access-date=June 23, 2025 |website=CTV News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mackay |first1=Janice |title=Lucknow's Tony McQuail launches grassroots campaign for federal NDP leadership |url=https://cknxnewstoday.ca/news/2025/10/08/lucknows-tony-mcquail-launches-grassroots-campaign-for-federal-ndp-leadership |access-date=October 9, 2025 |work=CKNX newstoday.ca |date=October 8, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://regenerateconference.com/tony-mcquail/|title=Tony McQuail|first=Lynne|last=Whitbeck|date=September 22, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 6, 2019 |title=McQuail named NDP candidate in Huron—Bruce |url=https://www.goderichsignalstar.com/news/local-news/mcquail-named-ndp-candidate-in-huron-bruce |access-date=June 23, 2025 |website=Goderich Signal-Star}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Kate |date=September 18, 2025 |title=Tony McQuail from Huron County seeking NDP Leadership |url=https://www.granthaven.com/post/tony-mcquail-from-huron-county-seeking-ndp-leadership |access-date=December 3, 2025 |website=GH – Potential |language=en}}</ref> |}

===Failed to qualify=== * Yves Engler, author, activist, and founder of the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute. Nominated by the NDP Socialist Caucus, his campaign was announced on July 3, 2025. Application submitted on November 10, 2025, and rejected on November 25, 2025. Appeal rejected on December 8, 2025.<ref name="Engler"/><ref name="Engler2">{{cite news |last1=Baxter |first1=David |title=Montreal activist Yves Engler officially looking to enter NDP leadership race |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/montreal-activist-yves-engler-officially-looking-to-enter-ndp-leadership-race/article_63cd8002-6050-5f3a-8a2d-bc5838f32c72.html |access-date=November 10, 2025 |work=Toronto Star |agency=Canadian Press |date=November 10, 2025}}</ref> He was deemed ineligible by both the party's vetting committee and independent review committee, alleging he had "harassed, intimidated, and confronted" elected officials, and repeated disinformation in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, favouring Russia.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=July 3, 2025 |title=NDP Socialist Caucus Nominates Montreal Author and Activist Yves Engler for NDP Leader |url=https://ndpsocialists.ca/ndp-socialist-caucus-nominates-montreal-author-and-activist-yves-engler-for-ndp-leader/ |website=NDP Socialist Caucus}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramzy |first1=Mark |title=Aspiring NDP leader who has raised thousands may be breaking party rules, official says |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/aspiring-ndp-leader-who-has-raised-thousands-may-be-breaking-party-rules-official-says/article_65054457-0f5d-4522-9333-59a666bac100.html |access-date=October 6, 2025 |work=Toronto Star |date=October 6, 2025}}</ref><ref name=":14">{{Cite news |date=December 9, 2025 |title=NDP rejects Yves Engler as leadership candidate |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-ndp-rejects-yves-engler-as-leadership-candidate/ |access-date=December 10, 2025 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}}</ref> * Bianca Mugyenyi, coordinator of Concordia University's Gender Advocacy Centre, former director of the Canadian Foreign Policy Institute, co-founder of the Leap with Avi Lewis and Naomi Klein,<ref>{{cite web | title=The Leap | About the Leap | url=https://theleap.org/about/ }}</ref> wife of rejected applicant Yves Engler. Her campaign was announced January 5, 2026. Rejection of candidacy by the vetting committee announced on January 28, 2026, she was deemed ineligible for being "an explicit proxy" for Yves Engler.<ref name="Mugyenyi">{{Cite news |date=2026-01-05 |title=Yves Engler's wife applies to join NDP leadership race after his bid to run was rejected |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-ndp-leadership-bianca-mugyenyi-yves-engler/ |access-date=2026-01-06 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA|last=Woolf|first=Marie}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{Cite news |date=2026-01-28 |title=NDP blocks Yves Engler’s wife from leadership race, calling her a proxy candidate |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-ndp-blocks-yves-englers-wife-from-leadership-race-calling-her-a-proxy/ |access-date=2026-01-29 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}}</ref>

===Declined=== *Charlie Angus, MP for Timmins—James Bay (2004–2025), runner up in the 2017 leadership election.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Angus |first1=Charlie |author-link=Charlie Angus |date=May 12, 2025 |title=Charlie Angus Statement on Leadership Rumours |url=https://charlieangus.substack.com/p/charlie-angus-statement-on-leadership |access-date=October 9, 2025 |website=Charlie Angus/The Resistance |via=Substack}}</ref> ''(Endorsed McPherson)'' *Alexandre Boulerice, deputy leader of the NDP (2019–present), house leader of the NDP (2025–present), MP for Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie (2011–present).<ref name="auto"/> *Ruth Ellen Brosseau, MP for Berthier—Maskinongé (2011–2019), House Leader of the NDP (2018–2019).<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last1=Philippe |first1=Teiscera-Lessard |title= Valérie Plante laisse la porte ouverte |url= https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/politique/2025-04-30/chefferie-du-npd/valerie-plante-laisse-la-porte-ouverte.php |access-date=May 1, 2025 |website=La Presse|date=April 30, 2025}}</ref> *Guy Caron, Mayor of Rimouski (2021–present), MP for Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques (2011–2019), parliamentary leader of the NDP (2017–2019), finished fourth in the 2017 leadership election.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last1=Djuric |first1=Mickey |last2=Blanchfield |first2=Mike |last3=Taylor-Vaisey |first3=Nick |date=July 10, 2025 |title=Who wants to lead the NDP? |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/canada-playbook/2025/07/10/who-wants-to-lead-the-ndp-00446215 |access-date=July 10, 2025 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=July 11, 2025 |title=Two former NDP MPs rule out bids to lead party as leadership rules issued |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-two-former-ndp-mps-rule-out-bids-to-lead-party-as-leadership-rules/ |access-date=July 12, 2025 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}}</ref> *Olivia Chow, 66th Mayor of Toronto (2023–present), MP for Trinity—Spadina (2006–2014), widow of former federal NDP leader Jack Layton.<ref name="May" /> *Nathan Cullen, MP for Skeena—Bulkley Valley (2004–2019), MLA for Stikine (2020–2024), finished third in the 2012 leadership election. ''(Endorsed McPherson)''<ref>{{cite web |last1=Morrison |first1=Catherine|title='Catastrophic loss': Former MP says NDP lost touch with core supporters|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/11162700/ndp-lost-touch-with-core-supporters-says-a-former-mp/ |website=Global News|date=May 3, 2025|access-date=May 5, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cullen |first=Nathan |author-link=Nathan Cullen |date=July 5, 2025 |title=The NDP doesn't have time for a protracted leadership race, and Canadians don't either |url=https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/the-ndp-doesnt-have-time-for-a-protracted-leadership-race-and-canadians-dont-either/article_0f6684b9-2963-47ad-9556-b03bed518f97.html |access-date=July 7, 2025 |website=Toronto Star |language=en}}</ref> *Don Davies, interim leader of the NDP (2025–2026), MP for Vancouver Kingsway (2008–present).<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 30, 2025 |title=B.C. MP Don Davies reflects on tough night for federal NDP |url=https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6743470 |work=CBC News |quote=Discussion of leadership from 3:50 to 4:40}}</ref><ref name="interim"/> * David Eby, 37th Premier of British Columbia (2022–present), leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party (2022–present), MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey (2013–present).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Weichel|first1=Andrew |title=B.C.'s NDP premier says he's not interested in Jagmeet Singh's job |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/bcs-ndp-premier-says-hes-not-interested-in-jagmeet-singhs-job/ |access-date=April 29, 2025 |publisher=CTV News |date=April 29, 2025}}</ref> *Leah Gazan, MP for Winnipeg Centre (2019–present), Families, Children, and Social Development Critic (2019–present).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last1=Ballingall |first1=Alex |last2=Patel |first2=Raisa |date=May 1, 2025 |title=Prominent New Democrats won't rule out leadership bids as party grapples with crushing election defeat |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/prominent-new-democrats-wont-rule-out-leadership-bids-as-party-grapples-with-crushing-election-defeat/article_d986e30c-f86c-4df8-873c-874c6da326f1.html |access-date=May 1, 2025 |website=Toronto Star |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/mp-leah-gazan-rules-out-leadership-bid-as-ndp-faces-rebuilding-moment/|title=NDP MP Gazan says she has no plans to run for NDP leader job|first=Karyn|last=Pugliese|date=October 7, 2025}}</ref> ''(Endorsed Lewis)'' * Matthew Green, MP for Hamilton Centre (2019–2025), Hamilton city councillor (2014–2018).<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> * Lori Idlout, MP for Nunavut (2021–present).<ref>{{cite web |title=Idlout plans change of 'tone' when she returns to Parliament |url=https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/idlout-plans-change-of-tone-when-she-returns-to-parliament/ |website=Nunatsiaq News |date=April 29, 2025 |access-date=April 29, 2025 |quote=Idlout said she is “not considering at all running for leadership.”}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/lori-idlout-not-running-for-ndp-leadership/|title=Lori Idlout not running for NDP leadership|first=Jorge|last=Antunes|date=January 27, 2026|website=Nunatsiaq News}}</ref> *Gord Johns, MP for Courtenay—Alberni (2015–present).<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 30, 2025 |title=Sole NDP MP re-elected on Island says party needs better way to get message across |url=https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/sole-ndp-mp-re-elected-on-island-says-party-needs-better-way-to-get-message-across-10591453 |access-date=June 14, 2025 |website=Times Colonist |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/gordjohnsndp/p/DMD_KEIP-CF/?hl=en |access-date=July 13, 2025 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> ''(Endorsed McPherson)'' *Peter Julian, MP for New Westminster—Burnaby (2004–2025), House Leader of the NDP (2014–2016, 2017–2018, 2019–2025).<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2025 |title=Who will replace Jagmeet Singh? The NDP leadership race is on — and these are the frontrunners, insiders say |url=https://ca.news.yahoo.com/who-will-replace-jagmeet-singh-the-ndp-leadership-race-is-on--and-these-are-the-frontrunners-insiders-say-154759599.html |access-date=October 6, 2025 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-CA}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mazereeuw |first1=Peter |date=October 6, 2025 |title=Q&A {{!}} Reviving a 'bold and unapologetic' NDP after a 'timid' 2025 platform, with Peter Julian |url=https://www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/10/06/qa-reviving-a-bold-and-unapologetic-ndp-after-a-timid-platform-with-peter-julian/476278/ |access-date=October 8, 2025 |work=The Hill Times}}</ref> *Wab Kinew, 25th Premier of Manitoba (2023–present), leader of the New Democratic Party of Manitoba (2017–present), MLA for Fort Rouge (2016–present).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-wab-kinew-has-the-makings-of-a-great-national-leader/|title=Wab Kinew has the makings of a great national leader |first=Robyn|last=Urback|date=February 21, 2025|website=The Globe and Mail}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/kinew-ndp-federal-decimation-response-1.7527346|title=One week after Canada's election, Manitoba premier addresses decimation of federal NDP|last1=Kives|first1=Bartley |author-link1=Bartley Kives |date=May 5, 2025|work=CBC News|access-date=May 6, 2025}}</ref> *Jenny Kwan, MP for Vancouver East (2015–present), MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant (1996–2015), British Columbia cabinet minister (1998–2001).<ref>{{cite news |date=April 30, 2025 |title=Longtime NDP MP Jenny Kwan reflects on bruising election night for her party |url=https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6742496 |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=CBC News}}</ref> *Mike Layton, Toronto City Councillor (2010–2022), son of former federal NDP leader Jack Layton.<ref name="May"/> *Tom Mulcair, Leader of the Opposition (2012–2015), leader of the NDP (2012–2017), MP for Outremont (2007–2018).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/07/10/summer-recess-is-a-pivotal-time-for-the-national-parties/466661/|title=Summer recess is a pivotal time for national parties|first=Andrew|last=Tzembelicos|date=July 10, 2025|work=The Hill Times}}</ref> *Rachel Notley, 17th Premier of Alberta (2015–2019), leader of the Alberta New Democratic Party (2014–2024), MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona (2008–2024).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/01/18/opinion/rachel-notley-done-alberta-politics-ottawa-next|title=Rachel Notley is done with Alberta politics. Is Ottawa next?|first=Max|last=Fawcett|date=January 18, 2024|website=National Observer}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.readtheorchard.org/p/will-the-federal-ndp-be-a-rachel|title=Two paths for the NDP's future on display at Edmonton rally|last=Apell|first=Jeremy|date=April 23, 2025|work=Substack}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ex-Alberta premier Notley on Smith-Carney relationship and the NDP's future {{!}} Hanomansing Tonight |url=https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6744024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250501020812/https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6744024 |archive-date=May 1, 2025 |access-date=August 12, 2025 |website=CBC News}}</ref> ''(Endorsed McPherson)'' *Valérie Plante, 45th Mayor of Montreal (2017–2025).<ref name="May">{{cite news |title=Hunt for new NDP leader raises tension before race even begins |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/hunt-for-new-ndp-leader-raises-tension-before-race-even-begins/article_8a46363b-e9e8-4afa-8e9d-2b5dc8a4b9ee.htm |access-date=May 31, 2025 |work=Toronto Star |date=May 31, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=NDP leadership campaign begins to take shape; official kickoff Sept. 2 |url=https://rabble.ca/politics/canadian-politics/ndp-leadership-campaign-begins-to-take-shape-official-kickoff-sept-2/ |date=July 31, 2025 |work=Rabble |access-date=September 29, 2025}}</ref> *Kennedy Stewart, 40th Mayor of Vancouver (2018–2022), MP for Burnaby South (2011–2018).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.castanet.net/news/Canada/560436/Few-Canadians-are-familiar-with-possible-NDP-leadership-contenders-poll|title=Few Canadians are familiar with possible NDP leadership contenders: poll – Canada News|website=www.castanet.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nationalnewswatch.com/2025/05/07/rebuilding-the-new-democratic-party|title=Rebuilding the New Democratic Party|website=National Newswatch}}</ref> *Bonita Zarrillo, MP for Port Moody-Coquitlam (2021–2025), Coquitlam City Councillor (2013–2021).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hett |first=Hanna |date=April 29, 2025 |title='Sideswiped by history' A closer look at incumbent Bonita Zarrillo's loss in Port Moody-Coquitlam and the fall of the NDP |url=https://tricitiesdispatch.com/sideswiped-by-history-a-closer-look-at-incumbent-bonita-zarrillos-loss-in-port-moody-coquitlam-and-the-fall-of-the-ndp/ |access-date=October 16, 2025 |website=Tri-Cities Dispatch |language=en-CA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=- YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/live/Bonxgm23teA |access-date=October 16, 2025 |website=www.youtube.com}}</ref> ''(Endorsed Ashton)''

== Endorsements== {{Endorsements box |title=Rob Ashton |list= ;Former members of Parliament: *Laurin Liu, MP for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles (2011–2015)<ref name="WandJan">{{cite news |last1=Wand |first1=Eleanor |title=McPherson’s NDP leadership bid secures most ex-MP support, but Lewis nabs only caucus nod |url=https://www.hilltimes.com/story/2026/01/22/mcphersons-ndp-leadership-bid-secures-most-ex-mp-endorsements-but-lewis-nabs-only-caucus-nod/488722/ |access-date=February 8, 2026 |work=The Hill Times |date=January 22, 2026}}</ref> *Bonita Zarrillo, MP for Port Moody-Coquitlam (2021–2025)<ref name="WandJan"/>

;Members of provincial and territorial legislatures: *George Anderson, MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville (2024–present)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Rohini Arora, MLA for Burnaby East (2024–present)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Mike Farnworth, MLA for Port Coquitlam (1991–2001, 2005–present), British Columbia Government House Leader (2024–present), Deputy Premier of British Columbia (2021–2024)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Suzy Hansen, MLA for Halifax Needham (2021–present)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Susan Leblanc, MLA for Dartmouth North (2017–present)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood (2024–present)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North (2017–present)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Jamie West, MPP for Sudbury (2018–present)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Paul Wozney, MLA for Sackville-Cobequid (2024–present)<ref name="WandJan"/>

;Former provincial and territorial politicians: *Harry Bains, MLA for Surrey-Newton (2005–2024)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Andrew Mercier, MLA for Langley (2020–2024), British Columbia Cabinet Minister (2022–2024)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Monique Taylor, MPP for Hamilton Mountain (2011–2025)<ref name="WandJan"/>

;Other prominent individuals *Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress<ref name="WandJan"/>

;Organizations: *Canadian Union of Public Employees Saskatchewan<ref name="AshtonCUPESask">{{cite web|title=Saskatchewan’s largest union backs Rob Ashton for NDP leader |url=https://cupesask.ca/2026/01/19/saskatchewans-largest-union-backs-rob-ashton-for-ndp-leader/ |website=cupesask.ca |access-date=January 19, 2026 |date=January 19, 2026}}</ref> *United Food and Commercial Workers Canada<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ufcw.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=34034:ufcw-canada-endorses-rob-ashton-in-the-federal-ndp-leadership-race&catid=10496:directions-26-05&Itemid=6&lang=en|title=UFCW Canada endorses Rob Ashton in the federal NDP leadership race | UFCW Canada - Canada’s Private Sector Union|website=UFCW Canada - Canada’s Private Sector Union}}</ref> *United Steelworkers<ref name="AshtonUSW">{{cite web |last=Seebruch |first=Nick |title=United Steelworkers endorse Rob Ashton for NDP leader |url=https://rabble.ca/labour/united-steelworkers-endorse-rob-ashton-for-ndp-leader/ |website=rabble.ca |access-date=December 4, 2025 |date=December 3, 2025}}</ref> }} {{Endorsements box |df=yes| title = Tanille Johnston | list = ;Provincial and territorial politicians: *Lisa Lachance, MLA for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island (2021–present), Nova Scotia Opposition House Leader (2025–present)<ref name="WandJan"/> ;Former provincial and territorial politicians: *Eric Robinson, MLA for Keewatinook (1993–2016), Deputy Premier of Manitoba (2009–2016)<ref name="WandJan"/> ;Other prominent individuals *Tony McQuail ''(second choice)''<ref>https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-who-are-the-candidates-for-the-federal-ndp-leadership/</ref> }}

{{Endorsements box | title = Avi Lewis | list = ;Members of Parliament: *Leah Gazan, MP for Winnipeg Centre (2019–present)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baxter |first=David |date=2026-01-15 |title= Leah Gazan backs Avi Lewis, becomes first NDP MP to endorse a leadership candidate |url= https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/leah-gazan-backs-avi-lewis-becomes-first-ndp-mp-to-endorse-a-leadership-candidate/ |access-date=2026-01-15 |website= CTV News |language=en}}</ref>

;Former members of Parliament: *Alex Atamanenko, MP for British Columbia Southern Interior (2006–2015)<ref>https://www.westernstandard.news/news/avi-lewis-emerges-as-clear-favourite-in-ndp-leadership-race-despite-past-loss/71622</ref> *Libby Davies, MP for Vancouver East (1997–2015), NDP deputy leader (2007–2015)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seebruch |first=Nick |date=2026-01-08 |title= Off the Hill (FULL VIDEO): Analyzing the NDP leadership race |url= https://rabble.ca/rabbletv/off-the-hill-analyzing-the-ndp-leadership-race/ |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=Rabble |language=en}}</ref> *Svend Robinson, MP for Burnaby—Douglas (1979–2004), runner up in the 1995 leadership election<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |last=Ramzy |first=Mark |date=2026-01-05 |title=NDP leadership race heats up as Rob Ashton accuses Avi Lewis of dividing the party |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/ndp-leadership-race-heats-up-as-rob-ashton-accuses-avi-lewis-of-dividing-the-party/article_062e030e-0b6f-46c3-9bce-c27fe0382a49.html |access-date=2026-01-06 |website=Toronto Star |language=en}}</ref> * Bill Siksay, MP for Burnaby—Douglas (2004–2011)<ref name="WandJan"/>

;Members of provincial and territorial legislatures: *Jessica Bell, MPP for University—Rosedale (2018–present)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Lise Vaugeois, MPP for Thunder Bay—Superior North (2022–present)<ref name="WandJan"/>

;Former provincial and territorial politicians: *Jill Andrew, MPP for Toronto—St. Paul's (2018–2025)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Jennifer Bowes, MLA for Saskatoon University (2020–2024)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Gary Burrill, MLA for Halifax Chebucto (2017–2024), MLA for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley (2009–2013), Leader of the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party (2016–2022)<ref name="WandJan"/> *David Chudnovsky, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington (2005–2009)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Cheri DiNovo, MPP for Parkdale—High Park (2006–2017), withdrawn candidate in the 2017 leadership race<ref name="WandJan"/> *Joel Harden, MPP for Ottawa Centre (2018–2025)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Amir Khadir, MNA for Mercier (2008–2018), Co-spokesperson of Québec solidaire (2006–2012)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Stephen Lewis, MPP for Scarborough West (1963–1978), leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party (1970–1978), Leader of the Official Opposition of Ontario (1975–1977) ''(candidate's father)''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rabble.ca/politics/canadian-politics/avi-lewis-announces-candidacy-for-ndp-leadership/|title=Avi Lewis announces candidacy for NDP leadership|first=Nick|last=Seebruch|website=rabble.ca|date=September 19, 2025|access-date=December 29, 2025}}</ref> *Gene Long, MHA for St. John's East (1986-1989). *Flor Marcelino, MLA for Wellington (2007–2011), MLA for Logan (2011–2019), Interim Leader of the Manitoba New Democratic Party (2016–2017), Manitoba Cabinet Minister (2009–2016)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Lorraine Michael, MHA for St. John's East-Quidi Vidi (2006–2019), former Leader of the New Democratic Party of Newfoundland and Labrador (2006-2015) *Sheilagh O'Leary, MHA for St. John's East-Quidi Vidi (2025-), deputy mayor of St. John's (2017–2025) *Jan Pullinger, MLA for Nanaimo (1989–1991), MLA for Cowichan-Ladysmith (1991–2001), British Columbia Cabinet Minister (1996–2000)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Gerry Rogers, MHA for St. John's Centre (2011-2019), former Leader of the New Democratic Party of Newfoundland and Labrador (2018-2019)

;Municipal politicians: *Shawn Menard, Ottawa City Councillor (2018–present)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Sean Orr, Vancouver City Councillor (2025–present)<ref name="WandJan"/>

;Other prominent individuals *Anjali Appadurai, politician, climate activist, and disqualified candidate in the 2022 BC NDP leadership election<ref name="cjn"/> *Cory Doctorow, blogger, journalist, and science fiction author<ref name="WandJan"/> *Naomi Klein, author and filmmaker ''(candidate's wife)''<ref name="WandJan"/> *Nimâ Machouf, epidemiologist and co-president of the NDP Quebec section<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mehdi |first1=Yasmine |title=Chefferie du NPD : les candidats à la chasse aux appuis |url=https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/fr/nouvelle/2221112/course-chefferie-leadership-npd-lewis-mcpherson-ashton-singh |website=CBC |access-date=25 January 2026}}</ref> *Yann Martel, author<ref name="WandJan"/> *Gabor Maté, physician and author<ref name="cjn">{{Cite web |date=2026-03-25 |title=NDP leadership race: Who’s the ‘least bad’ for Canada’s Jewish community? |url=https://thecjn.ca/news/ndp-leadership-race-whos-the-least-bad-for-canadas-jewish-community/ |website=North Star |language=en}}</ref> *Bill McKibben, author<ref name="WandJan"/> *Linda McQuaig, journalist and columnist<ref>{{cite web|title=It's time for a left-wing populist|publisher=The Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/time-for-a-left-wing-populist/article_1be65e29-3b7c-43b2-bb92-4a08276a651a.html|date=March 5, 2026}}</ref> *Sid Ryan, former president of the Ontario Federation of Labour and CUPE Ontario.<ref>{{cite web |title=Avi Lewis Supporter Sid Ryan Defends Engler’s Right to Run |url=https://globalgreen.news/en/avi-lewis-supporter-sid-ryan-defends-englers-right-to-run/ |website=Global Green News |access-date=25 January 2026}}</ref> *David Suzuki, environmentalist and broadcaster<ref name="angus">{{Cite web |last=Baxter|first=David|date=2026-01-14|title=Angus says NDP leadership not an 'entry level position', endorses McPherson|url=https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/angus-says-ndp-leadership-not-an-entry-level-position-endorses-mcpherson/article_50f3f285-22b9-5360-bfd1-18f96909b967.html |access-date=2026-01-14 |website=The Canadian Press |language=en}}</ref>

;Organizations: *Canadian Union of Public Employees Ontario<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cupe.on.ca/cupe-ontario-has-endorsed-avi-lewis-as-leader-of-canadas-new-democratic-party/|title=CUPE Ontario endorses Avi Lewis for NDP leadership|first=Mary|last=Unan|date=January 27, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.readthemaple.com/avi-lewis-ndp-labour-plan-is-a-remarkable-document/|title=Avi Lewis’s NDP Labour Plan Is A Remarkable Document|date=January 26, 2026|website=The Maple}}</ref> }} {{Endorsements box | title = Heather McPherson | list = ;Members of Parliament *Gord Johns, MP for Courtenay—Alberni (2015–present)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/mp-johns-endorses-mcpherson-calls-her-a-strong-choice-for-ndp-leader/article_c9424354-69f7-50a4-9159-8f0867b597ec.html|title=MP Johns endorses McPherson, calls her a ‘strong’ choice for NDP leader|first=David |last=Baxter |agency=The Canadian Press |date=February 5, 2026|website=Toronto Star}}</ref>

;Former members of Parliament *Charlie Angus, MP for Timmins—James Bay (2004–2025), runner up in the 2017 leadership election<ref name="angus"/> *Dawn Black, MP for New Westminster—Coquitlam (2006–2009), MLA for New Westminster (2009–2013), Interim leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party (2011)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Lisa Marie Barron, MP for Nanaimo—Ladysmith (2021–2025)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Richard Cannings, MP for South Okanagan—West Kootenay (2015–2025)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pentictonherald.ca/news/article_e15f3ef6-79a6-43ab-8195-59065f1c1ee4.html|title=Cannings endorses Heather McPherson|website=Penticton Herald |date=November 14, 2025 }}</ref> *Raymond Côté, MP for Beauport—Limoilou (2011–2015)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Robert Chisholm, MP for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour (2011–2015), MLA for Halifax Atlantic (1991–2003), Leader of the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party (1996–2000)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Nathan Cullen, MP for Skeena—Bulkley Valley (2004–2019), MLA for Stikine (2020–2024), finished third in the 2012 leadership election<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ling|first1=Justin|title=Can Avi Lewis make Canada's tired old NDP feel new again?|url=https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/he-comes-from-a-line-of-old-school-ndp-leaders--but-can-avi-lewis-make-the-party-feel-new-again/article_edee32d3-53ef-4c5f-8ced-b13c9dd4ca92.html|website=Toronto Star|date=March 20, 2026}}</ref> *Leila Dance, MP for Elmwood—Transcona (2024–2025)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Linda Duncan, MP for Edmonton Strathcona (2008–2019)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Jack Harris, MP for St. John's East (1987–1988, 2008–2015, 2019–2021), MHA for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi (1990–2006), Leader of the Newfoundland and Labrador New Democratic Party (1992–2006)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Carol Hughes, MP for Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing (2008–2025)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Lynn Hunter, MP for Saanich—Gulf Islands (1988–1993)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Pat Martin, MP for Winnipeg Centre (1997–2015)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Lindsay Mathyssen, MP for London—Fanshawe (2019–2025)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Douglas Roche, MP for Edmonton Strathcona (1972–1979), MP for Edmonton South (1979–1984), Senator from Alberta (1998–2004) ''(sat as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party)''<ref name="WandJan"/> *Nycole Turmel, MP for Hull—Aylmer (2011–2015), Interim leader of the NDP (2011–2012), Leader of the Official Opposition (2011–2012)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Judy Wasylycia-Leis, MP for Winnipeg North (2004–2010), MP for Winnipeg North Centre (1997–2004), MLA for St. Johns (1986–1993), Manitoba Minister of Culture, Heritage and Recreation (1986–1988)<ref name="WandJan"/>

;Members of provincial and territorial legislatures: *Chandra Pasma, MPP for Ottawa West—Nepean (2022–present)<ref name="PasmaMcPherson">{{cite web |last1=Lucio |first1=Julia |title=At Cornwall Event, MPP Chandra Pasma Warns Ottawa Region About "Erosion of Local Democracy" |website=NCR Now |url=https://ncrnow.ca/2025/11/29/chandra-pasma/ |access-date=December 27, 2025 |date=November 29, 2025}}</ref> *Joan Phillip, MLA for Vancouver-Strathcona (2023–present)<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web |date=2026-01-30 |title=Power couple endorses candidate for NDP leadership |url=https://www.pentictonherald.ca/news/article_f2f3f002-3e94-47a2-9603-f16f6703dfa4.html |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=Penticton Herald |language=en}}</ref> *Amna Shah, MLA for Surrey City Centre (2024–present)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Rod Wilson, MLA for Halifax Armdale (2024–present)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Kristyn Wong-Tam, MPP for Toronto Centre (2022–present)<ref name="WandJan"/>

;Former provincial and territorial politicians: *Mike Harcourt, MLA for Vancouver Centre (1986–1991), MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant (1991–1996), Premier of British Columbia (1991–1996), Leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party (1987–1996), Mayor of Vancouver (1981–1986)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Vivienne Horne, MLA for Spruce Grove-St. Albert (2015–2019)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Danielle Larivee, MLA for Lesser Slave Lake (2015–2019)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Brian Mason, MLA for Edmonton-Highlands (2000–2004), MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood (2004–2019), Leader of the Alberta New Democratic Party (2004–2014), Alberta Minister of Transportation (2015–2019)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Shelley Martel, MPP for Sudbury East (1987–1999) and Nickel Belt (1999–2007)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Rachel Notley, MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona (2008–2024), Premier of Alberta (2015–2019), leader of the Alberta New Democratic Party (2014–2024)<ref name="McPhersonNotley">{{cite web |last1=Ramzy |first1=Mark |title=Heather McPherson launches NDP leadership campaign with nod from former Alberta premier Rachel Notley |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/heather-mcpherson-launches-ndp-leadership-campaign-with-nod-from-former-alberta-premier-rachel-notley/article_d7a357b4-fa20-4ef4-b43b-b98963248fa8.html |website=Toronto Star |access-date=December 4, 2025 |language=en |date=November 21, 2025}}</ref> *Shannon Phillips, MLA for Lethbridge-West (2015–2024), Alberta Minister of the Environment (2015–2019)<ref name="auto1"/> *Tom Sigurdson, MLA for Edmonton-Belmont (1986–1993)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Cathy Sproule, MLA for Saskatoon Nutana (2011–2020)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Nicole Rancourt, MLA for Prince Albert Northcote (2016–2020)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Bob Wanner, MLA for Medicine Hat (2015–2019), Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta (2015–2019)<ref name="WandJan"/> *Elizabeth Weir, MLA for Saint John South (1991–1995), MLA for Saint John Harbour (1995–2005), Leader of the New Brunswick New Democratic Party (1988–2005)<ref name="WandJan"/>

;Other prominent individuals *Stewart Phillip, Grand Chief and president of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (1998–present)<ref name="auto4"/> }} {{Endorsements box | title = Tony McQuail | list =

;Other prominent individuals: *Tanille Johnston ''(second choice)''<ref>https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-who-are-the-candidates-for-the-federal-ndp-leadership/</ref> }} == Debates and forums==

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:85%; text-align:center;" |+ Debates and forums among candidates for the 2026 New Democratic Party leadership election |- † |- ! rowspan="2" style="white-space:nowrap;" | Type ! rowspan="2" | Date ! rowspan="2" | Location ! rowspan="2" | Host ! rowspan="2" | Language ! rowspan="2" | Moderator ! colspan="5" | Participants — {{Colors|black|#99ff99|  P  }} Participant {{Colors|black|#CCFFCC| I  }} Invited {{Colors|black|#ff9999|  N  }} Not invited {{Colors|black|#ffffdd|  A  }} Absent invitee {{Colors|black|#ececec|  O  }} Out of race (withdrawn or disqualified) |- ! scope="col" style="width:4em;" | Ashton ! scope="col" style="width:4em;" | Johnston ! scope="col" style="width:4em;" | Lewis ! scope="col" style="width:4em;" | McPherson ! scope="col" style="width:4em;" | McQuail |- !Forum |October 16, 2025<ref name=":7"/><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=October 18, 2025 |title=NDP leadership hopefuls meet for first all-candidates' forum |url=https://theprogress.com/2025/10/18/ndp-leadership-hopefuls-meet-for-first-all-candidates-forum/ |access-date=October 21, 2025 |website=Chilliwack Progress |language=en}}</ref> |Nanaimo, British Columbia | style="text-align: center;" |Nanaimo—Ladysmith NDP EDA<ref name=":7">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvKNtUnIgfY |title=NDP Federal Leadership Candidates speak at the Nanaimo Ladysmith EDA AGM |date=October 17, 2025 |last= |access-date=October 20, 2025 |via=YouTube|publisher=VITV.ca}}</ref> |English |Lisa Marie Barron |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |- ! Forum | style="white-space:nowrap;" | October 22, 2025<ref name="CLCForumOct16">{{cite web |title=Workers first: The CLC hosts a forum with NDP leadership candidates |url=https://canadianlabour.ca/workers-first-the-clc-hosts-a-forum-with-ndp-leadership-candidates/ |website=Canadian Labour Congress |access-date=October 18, 2025 |location=Ottawa |date=October 16, 2025}}</ref><ref name="auto3"/> | style="white-space:nowrap;" | Ottawa, Ontario | style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:center;" | Canadian Labour Congress | style="white-space:nowrap;" |English & French | style="white-space:nowrap;" | Bea Bruske |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |- !Forum |October 28, 2025<ref name=":9">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaHgZ5eYjks |title=2025 Mouseland Gala |date=October 28, 2025 |last=Douglas Coldwell LaytonFoundation |access-date=October 29, 2025 |via=YouTube}}</ref> |Ottawa, Ontario | style="text-align: center;" |Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation |English |Brad Lavigne |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |- !Forum |November 22, 2025<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DRVxSgEiVCW/|title=Instagram|website=www.instagram.com}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KfA-knO1Vc |title=West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country NDP all leadership candidates forum. |date=November 23, 2025 |last=Jäger Rosenberg |access-date=November 24, 2025 |via=YouTube}}</ref> |Gibsons, British Columbia | style="text-align: center;" |West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country NDP EDA |English |Jäger Rosenberg |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-absent}}{{Efn|Campaign paused}} |- ! Debate | style="white-space:nowrap;" | November 27, 2025<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndp.ca/news/five-candidates-confirmed-ndp-leadership-debate-montreal|title=Five Candidates Confirmed for NDP Leadership Debate in Montreal|website=Canada's NDP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHS6DbS8rbg |title=Débat des candidats à la direction du NPD à Montréal – 27 novembre 2025 |date=2025-11-27 |access-date=2026-02-23 |via=YouTube|publisher=CPAC}}</ref> | style="white-space:nowrap;" | Montreal, Quebec | style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:center;" | New Democratic Party | style="white-space:nowrap;" | English & French | style="white-space:nowrap;" | Karl Bélanger |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |- !Forum |December 2, 2025<ref name="OntarioNDPNorthernCaucusForum">{{cite web |title=Northern Caucus Federal Leadership Forum |url=https://www.ontariondp.ca/northern-caucus-federal-leadership-forum |website=Ontario New Democratic Party |access-date=November 14, 2025}}</ref> |Virtual | style="text-align: center;" |Ontario NDP Northern Caucus |English |Lynn Dee Eason & Luke Hildebrand |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |- !Forum |January 7, 2026<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |title=CUPE Votes townhall with federal NDP leadership candidates |url=https://cupe.ca/cupe-votes-townhall-federal-ndp-leadership-candidates |access-date=December 20, 2025 |website=Canadian Union of Public Employees |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":18" /> |Virtual | style="text-align: center;" |Canadian Union of Public Employees |English & French |Mark Hancock & Candace Rennick |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |- !Debate |January 10, 2026<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |title=Watch |url=https://torontondp.ca/watch |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=Toronto Area Council |language=en}}</ref> |Toronto, Ontario | style="text-align: center;" |Ontario New Democratic Youth & Ontario NDP Toronto Area Council |English |Doly Begum & Mike Layton |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |- !Forum |January 15, 2026<ref name=":16">{{cite web | title=Will Socialism Return to the NDP? | url=https://www.democraticsocialistsyvr.ca/dsv-news/ndp-leadership-forum }}</ref><ref name=":19" /> |Virtual | style="text-align: center;" |Democratic Socialists of Vancouver |English |Joey Broda |{{Debate-absent}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-absent}} |{{Debate-present}} |- !Debate |January 21, 2026<ref>{{cite web | title=NDP Leadership Debate on Palestine | url=https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ndp-leadership-debate-on-palestine-registration-1979999119667 }}</ref><ref name=":20" /> |Virtual | style="text-align: center;" |Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East |English |Yara Shoufani |{{Debate-absent}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |- !Forum |February 12, 2026<ref>https://www.instagram.com/p/DUMQVRZki0u/?hl=en&img_index=1</ref> |Calgary, Alberta | style="text-align: center;" |Calgary Confederation NDP EDA |English |Keira Gunn |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |- ! Debate | style="white-space:nowrap;" | February 19, 2026<ref name="FebDebate"/><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy6_gTsUH4A |title=NDP leadership candidates face off in final debate |date=2026-02-19 |access-date=2026-02-23 |via=YouTube|publisher=CBC News}}</ref> | style="white-space:nowrap;" | New Westminister, British Columbia | style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:center;" | New Democratic Party | style="white-space:nowrap;" | English & French | style="white-space:nowrap;" | Hannah Thibedeau |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |- !Debate |February 20, 2026<ref name=":22">https://actionnetwork.org/events/south-island-leadership-debate/</ref> |Victoria, British Columbia | style="text-align: center;" |Victoria NDP EDA |English | Laurel Collins | {{Debate-present}} | {{Debate-present}} | {{Debate-present}} | {{Debate-present}} | {{Debate-present}} |- !Forum |February 25, 2026<ref name=":23">https://leadership.ndp.ca/manitoba-leadership-debate?source=20220310_WEB_GEN_1_RSVP_NDPWS_NDP_EN_ALL</ref> |Virtual | style="text-align: center;" |Elmwood—Transcona NDP EDA |English | | {{Debate-present}} | {{Debate-present}} | {{Debate-present}} | {{Debate-present}} | {{Debate-present}} |- !Debate |March 2, 2026<ref name=":24">leadnow.ca/campaigns/ndp-leadership-debate/?linktree</ref> |Virtual | style="text-align: center;" |Leadnow |English | Desmond Cole | {{Debate-present}} | {{Debate-present}} | {{Debate-present}} | {{Debate-present}} | {{Debate-present}} |- !Forum |March 11, 2026<ref name=":26">{{cite web|url=https://leadership.ndp.ca/leadership-forum-hosted-by-ndp-equity-commissions?source=20220310_WEB_GEN_1_RSVP_NDPWS_NDP_EN_ALL|title=Leadership Forum hosted by NDP Equity Commissions}}</ref> |Virtual | style="text-align: center;" |NDP Equity Commissions |English |Phoenix The Fire |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |- !Forum |March 13, 2026<ref name=":27">{{cite web|url=https://leadership.ndp.ca/edmonton-federal-ndp-leaders-forum|title=Edmonton Federal NDP Leaders Forum}}</ref> |Edmonton, Alberta | style="text-align: center;" |Edmonton Centre NDP EDA |English | |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |- !Forum |March 15, 2026<ref name=":28">https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1214091277569865&set=a.209631834682486</ref> |Virtual | style="text-align: center;" |Jeunes néodémocrates du Québec |English & French | |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |{{Debate-present}} |}

==Opinion polling== {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ !align="center" style="width:40px;"|Polling firm !align="center" style="width:40px;"|Last date of polling !align="center" style="width:40px;"|Sample size !align="center" class="unsortable" style="width:40px;" |Link !align="center" style="width:40px;"|Margin of error !align="center" style="width:40px;"|Ashton !align="center" style="width:40px;"|Johnston !align="center" style="width:40px;"|Lewis !align="center" style="width:40px;"|McPherson !style="width:40px;" align=center |McQuail !align="center" class="unsortable" style="width:40px;"|Other !align="center" style="width:40px;" data-sort-type="number"| Lead |- |align=center|Angus Reid Institute |March 17, 2026 |align=center|225 |[https://angusreid.org/ndp-2026-leadership-race/ PDF] |align=center|N/A |align=center|5% |align=center|5% |align="center" style="background: #91C183" |'''18%''' |align=center|10% |align=center|2% |align=center |60% |align="center" style="background: #91C183" |'''8%''' |}

== Results == {{2026 New Democratic Party leadership election}}Of the total number of votes, 68,754 were cast online, 1,252 were cast by telephone, and 928 were mail-in votes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Avi Lewis elected Leader of NDP |url=https://www.ndp.ca/news/avi-lewis-elected-leader-ndp |access-date=2026-04-04 |website=Canada's NDP |language=en}}</ref>

Lewis got over 56% of the vote on the first ballot, meaning subsequent ballots did not need to be counted, but it was reported he was the second vote of most Johnston, McQuail, and McPherson voters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grenier |first=Éric |title=How the NDP leadership vote broke down, ballot by ballot |url=https://www.thewrit.ca/p/how-the-ndp-leadership-vote-broke |access-date=2026-04-09 |website=www.thewrit.ca |language=en}}</ref> He received the highest number of votes for a leadership candidate in NDP history.

== Aftermath == Prime Minister Mark Carney and leader of the Opposition Pierre Poilievre congratulated Lewis on his victory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 29, 2026 |title=Avi Lewis wins NDP leadership race in decisive first-ballot victory |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/livestory/federal-ndp-announces-leader-9.7146267 |website=CBC News}}</ref>

Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi and Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck criticized the direction of the federal party, particularly Lewis's natural resource policies. Meanwhile, Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles, Manitoba NDP leader Wab Kinew, Nova Scotia NDP leader Claudia Chender, Yukon NDP leader Kate White, Newfoundland and Labrador NDP leader Jim Dinn, New Brunswick NDP leader Alex White and British Columbia NDP leader David Eby congratulated Lewis on his victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Major |first=Darren |date=March 29, 2026 |title=The NDP has a new leader. What does Avi Lewis's arrival mean for the party? |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-new-leader-avi-lewsi-9.7146004 |website=CBC News}}</ref>

Just two days after Avi Lewis's victory, his father, former Ontario NDP leader and former Ambassador to the United Nations Stephen Lewis, died following a several-year bout with abdominal cancer.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-03-31 |title=Stephen Lewis, humanitarian and former Ontario NDP leader, dies at 88 |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-stephen-lewis-dies-ndp-avi-lewis/ |access-date=2026-04-01 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}}</ref>

== Notes == {{Notelist}}

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == * [https://leadership.ndp.ca/ Party leadership website] * [https://convention.ndp.ca/ Party convention website] '''Official campaign websites'''

* [https://robashton.ca/ Rob Ashton for leader] * [https://tanille.ca/ Tanille Johnston for leader] * [https://www.lewisforleader.ca/ Avi Lewis for leader] * [https://www.heathermcpherson.ca/ Heather McPherson for leader] * [https://tonymcquailgreenprogressive.ca/ Tony McQuail for leader] {{New Democratic Party}} {{2026 elections in Canada}} {{Canadian federal leadership elections}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:New Democratic Party leadership election, 2026}} 2026 Category:March 2026 in Canada Category:2020s in Winnipeg Category:Avi Lewis Category:2026 political party leadership elections in Canada