Doug Ford announces plan to run for fourth term at PC convention

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced he will be seeking a fourth term at the Progressive Conservatives convention held in Toronto over the weekend.

Members of the media were initially banned from attending the convention, but after significant backlash, the party partially softened their stance, allowing journalists into the room for Ford’s speech. However, much of the event was still behind closed doors, including strategy sessions and fireside chats. 

During his speech to approximately 1,000 people announcing his intention to run again for premier, Ford touted his ability to stand up to United States President Donald Trump and that his party has “never, ever raised a tax.”

“This is what amazes me folks. And we never will raise a tax. But think of every single government out there, right across our country — municipally, provincially, federally — they’ve all raised taxes. We have never ever raised a tax and close to eight years, we’re coming up.”

Online reactions to Ford’s announcement have been less than supportive, with social media users writing comments on Reddit and X like, “What has he done for the benefit of Ontario? Like… seriously. Anything?” and “He has done nothing but line his pockets and further impoverish the people of Ontario. Ontario is a very difficult place to live in financially and he’s done absolutely nothing to make that better.”

Other social comments put the blame squarely with Ontarians themselves, with one person writing, “I hate to say but Ontario is stupid enough to give him [a fourth term].” 

Ford has gained a majority government in all three Ontario general elections — 2018, 2022 and 2025 — with a 76, 83 and 80 seat majority, respectively.

Bill Davis was the last Ontario Conservative to win four consecutive terms, serving as premier from 1971 to 1985.