Progressive Conservative Leader Tony Wakeham led his party to a stunning upset victory Tuesday, winning or leading in 21 seats to end a decade of Liberal rule in Canada’s easternmost province.
The Liberals secured 15 seats, while the New Democratic Party won two seats, and two independents were also elected. The two major parties traded leads throughout Tuesday night, before the PC\’s ultimately secured 44.37% of the votes cast, versus the Liberals 43.43%.
The Tories flipped seven districts from Liberal control, including Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde, central Labrador, Labrador West, Humber-Gros Morne, Lewisporte-Twillingate, St. Barbe-L’Anse aux Meadows, and St. George’s-Humber. Many races were decided by narrow margins, setting up likely recounts in multiple districts.
One seat remains too close to call. In Fogo-Cape Freels, PC candidate Jim McKenna leads Liberal Dale Lewis by approximately 100 votes with about 15 polls still to report.
The Liberals had governed the province for 10 years. Liberal Leader John Hogan became premier in May 2025 after winning the party’s leadership race.
The Churchill Falls hydroelectric project memorandum of understanding emerged as a central campaign issue. Hogan promised to finalize the deal, arguing its financial returns would fund healthcare and education. Wakeham pledged to have independent experts review the agreement.
The election marked the third time this year Newfoundland and Labrador residents went to the polls, following federal and municipal elections.
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