with files from Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter — Chatham Voice
Despite a national victory for Prime Minister-Elect Mark Carney and his Liberal Party, local voters returned both Conservative incumbents to their respective seats as Dave Epp and Chris Lewis both sailed to victory in Monday’s federal election.
Member of Parliament Chris Lewis took 57.3 percent of the vote, beating Liberal challenger Chris Sutton by 16,494 votes. Lori Wightman of the NDP garnered 4,044 votes and Jason Henry of the People’s Party came in with 834 votes. There was one poll remaining outstanding as of press time.
Mr. Lewis’ campaign party was held at the Michigan Diner in Essex, where campaign supporters and family awaited his arrival once the results were clear. His father, Kim Lewis, talked about how proud his late wife was of her son.
“My wife always told him, always tell the truth and it’ll set you free,” said the senior Mr. Lewis.
Chris Lewis responded with, “Mama, this one’s for you!”
Lewis thanked the voters, his team and family before settling in for a well-deserved celebration.
“Thanks to the folks of Essex for putting their faith in me for a third term,” he said. “Thanks to my amazing wife Allison and my wonderful family.” He also mentioned several members of his campaign team by name, thanking each and every one of them for their hard work.
In Chatham-Kent Leamington, MP Dave Epp also returned for a third term with 57.7 per cent of the vote, defeating Liberal challenger Keith Pickard by 15,758 votes. Seamus McInnis Fleming of the NDP came in third with 2,917 votes, while Trevor Lee of the People’s Party (1,052) and James Plunkett (752) of the Green Party finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
Mr. Epp’s official campaign party was held at Tru Restaurant in Chatham, followed by a family and friends get-together back at his Leamington home.
“It is truly humbling to receive the trust and support from the residents of Chatham-Kent–Leamington,” he told supporters and media. “I’m humbled and honoured. It’s actually not a prize that’s won, but a trust to be honoured. It means listening, and I will continue to listen.”
While Mr. Epp was quick to thank his team, his family and the voters, he also thanked his opponents and their teams.
“Democracy only works when people have a choice,” Epp explained. “And so, I congratulate and thank the four other individuals for putting their names on the ballot. And I thank their volunteers. Because that is what grassroots democracy is in this country. The people are right, the people are always right.”
And despite the national outcome, Epp says he will make it a priority to take the voices of Chatham-Kent Leamington to Ottawa.
Both candidates and their respective teams were out early Tuesday removing lawn signs to wrap up their campaigns.
There were two local incumbents that didn’t fare as well in Monday’s vote, with long-time NDP MP Brian Masse and long-time Liberal MP Irek Kusmierczyk both sitting on the outside looking in as of press time.
Mark Carney’s victory came after a close race with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, winning 49 per cent to 42 per cent in the popular vote with 99 per cent of polls reporting by press time.
Carney’s Liberals were sitting at 168 seats on Tuesday morning, while the Conservatives had 144. A minimum of 172 seats is required to form a majority government, which was still in doubt at press time Tuesday morning.
Mr. Carney became Prime Minister on the resignation of Justin Trudeau on March 14. He had been chosen at a Liberal leadership convention that weekend — taking over at a time when Liberal support appeared low across the country.
His subsequent dealings with U.S. President Donald Trump and the looming tarriff situation gave the party a boost and Carney then called an election for April 28.
Chris Lewis arrives at his campaign party at Michigan Diner in Essex, speaking to reporters Monday night.
Mark Ribble photo
