OTTAWA — The federal New Democratic Party (NDP) has officially opened voting to select a successor to Jagmeet Singh, who stepped down following a challenging 2025 federal election. Approximately 100,000 party members are eligible to participate in the mail-in and online ballot process, a notable increase from the 60,000 members recorded at the start of the race in September 2025. The transition follows a period under interim leader Don Davies, who stepped in after the party was reduced to just seven seats in the House of Commons.
The race features five candidates representing various facets of the party’s base. Avi Lewis, a prominent filmmaker and activist, has emerged as the clear frontrunner in terms of both grassroots support and fundraising, having raised over $1.2 million from more than 10,000 contributors. He is followed by Heather McPherson, the MP for Edmonton Strathcona and the only sitting member of the NDP caucus in the race, who has raised approximately $560,000. Other contenders include union leader Rob Ashton, social worker Tanille Johnston, and veteran farmer-organizer Tony McQuail.
The campaign has focused heavily on the party’s path to rebuilding its national presence and regaining official party status. While Lewis has energized supporters with a vision of “anti-capitalist” reform and climate action, McPherson has leaned on her legislative experience and her track record as a three-term MP. Candidates Rob Ashton and Tanille Johnston have also emphasized labor rights and community-level social work, respectively, as central to the party’s future identity.
The voting period will remain open until March 28, 2026. The results will be officially unveiled the following day, March 29, at the party’s national convention at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg. The new leader will take over at a critical juncture, tasked with managing significant party debt and preparing for a potential early election under the Liberal minority government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
