Ontarians are reacting to Jill Andrew’s loss in Toronto-St Paul’s after serving eight years as NDP MPP, returning the riding to the Liberal stronghold it once was.
Andrew finished the short race in second place with 13,524 votes, compared to newly-elected Liberal MPP Stephanie Smyth who shot to first place with 17,421 votes, according to unofficial elections results.
Andrew was first elected in 2018, in a historic win which saw the long-time Liberal riding turn orange. She managed to repeat her win again in 2022.
During her time in office, Andrew was a strong advocate for several key issues such as housing, health care, and education – in addition she was the first Black and queer person elected to the Ontario Legislature.
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Andrew took to social media to share her thoughts about her unsuccessful campaign.
“While the results yesterday are not what we wanted, we ran a campaign that had the support of many – near and far and I am deeply grateful,” she said. “I never shifted my values or ignored humanity for votes and I am proud of that.”
#TeamJill THANK YOU! While the results yesterday are not what we wanted, we ran a campaign that had the support of many – near and far and I am deeply grateful. As your #tostpauls ONDP candidate, I never shifted my values or ignored humanity for votes and I am proud of that.
— Dr. Jill Andrew, PhD (she/her) (@JILLSLASTWORD) February 28, 2025
Andrew received an outpouring of love and support following her message.
“Will miss seeing you standing up, calling out & offering strong solutions in the Legislature,” one X user wrote.
Another user added, “Jill Andrew is one of the best and principled leaders we’ve seen. A loss for the NDP and the province.”
With Andrew gone, the riding will be represented by Smyth in the Ontario Legislature. The former CP24 news anchor is no stranger to Torontonians, but she is to politics, having never held an elected position.
Thank you #tostpauls !
— Stephanie Smyth (@stephaniesmyth) February 28, 2025
The work starts now.#onpoli #topoli pic.twitter.com/skHBPmYPRJ
Smyth released a statement on X following the election, and called her win “the opportunity of a lifetime.”
“I will be a tireless advocate for our community, fighting for the change we need and the future we deserve. The work starts now – let’s build it together,” she said.
