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%