Horwath re-elected as the NDP gains ground in Ontario

HAMILTON, Ont. – NDP Leader Andrea Horwath has been re-elected in her Hamilton Centre riding.

She has held that seat since 2007.

Horwath grabbed more than 55 per cent of the popular vote and the NDP hope that their campaign will help the party gain more ground across Ontario.

At the Hamilton Convention Centre, where the NDP election celebration was held, supporters were in a positive mood.

As the numbers rolled in on the large screen set up at the convention centre, those in attendance said they are encouraged by the results and that they shows the people of Ontario think it is time for a change.

Long time New Democrat and former MPP Peter Kormos told 680News change is on its way to Queen’s Park.

“We’re seeing NDP surges in any number of parts of the province. That speaks well for Andrea and will mean a very very different parliament come tomorrow morning,” said Kormos.

Before the polls closed, Ontario NDP strategist Marit Stiles told 680News they were on edge.

“We’re all a little nervous, like you are at any election, but we’re all really excited and happy and I think that it’s been a great campaign for the NDP. People are feeling like we did what we sought to do,” said Stiles.

When she arrived at the Hamilton Convention Centre shortly before 11:30 p.m., Horwath was introduced by Jack Layton’s son, City Councillor Mike Layton.

“Instead of voting out of fear, you voted for hope and instead of voting for the same old solutions you voted for change,” said Horwath as she addressed the crowd.

She said that the NDP will continue to make jobs, health care and an affordable life the top priority in Queen’s Park.

“Our team of New Democrats will work with all MPP’s to make Ontario’s government work and we’ve been pretty clear about our priorities and thousands of Ontarians told us today that they are counting on us to act on those priorities,” said Horwath.

She then thanked her family, friends and the people of Hamilton for their support.

16 NDP MPPs were elected across Ontario, including a surprise win in Bramalea-Gore-Malton where Jagmeet Singh, defeated Liberal incumbent Kuldip Kular.

Earlier in the day on Thursday, voting in the Ontario Election was a family affair for the NDP leader.

She cast her ballot with her 19-year-old son, Julian, at their riding in Hamilton Centre.

Horwarth said it was wonderful to be voting with her teenage son. This is the first time he has been of age to vote for his mother.

“I’m very proud of her, always been very proud,” Julian said of his mother.

The Ontario NDP leader said she is been proud of the campaign she ran, but disappointed with some of the negative tactics used other leaders.

She remained quiet on which party she would be willing to support if there is a minority government and the NDP holds the balance of power.

“We have to wait and see how people vote today before we start having that conversation, but what I’ve said from day one, no matter what happens, I’m going to fight for the people,” Horwath said.

Horwath said she has a low-key day planned, including lunch with her son before waiting for the polls to close.