WINNIPEG — Canada’s New Democrats are happy to welcome Avi Lewis as our new leader, having received 56% of the votes on the first ballot in the party’s leadership race.
“New Democrats have spent this past year rebuilding the party, talking to Canadians about what matters to them. I want to thank all five leadership contestants for showing the heart and soul of our movement throughout the campaign,” said Éric Hébert-Daly, Chief Electoral Officer of the Leadership Race.
Results of the First Ballot of the NDP 2026 Leadership Race:
- Avi Lewis: 39,734 votes (56%)
- Heather McPherson: 20,899 votes (29%)
- Tanille Johnston: 5,159 votes (7%)
- Rob Ashton: 4,193 votes (5.9%)
- Tony McQuail: 945 votes (1%)
Background:
- Electors: 100,542
- Total votes cast: 70,934
- Total valid votes: 70,930
- Online votes: 68,754
- Telephone votes: 1,252
- Mail-in votes: 928
- Spoiled ballots: 4
- Turnout: 70.6%









