The 2025 Ontario election results are officially in, and Premier Doug Ford has triumphed once again, securing his third consecutive term in office. The Progressive Conservative (PC) party has held on to its majority in the 44th Parliament of Ontario, ensuring continued control of the provincial government. This win is particularly notable, marking the first time since 1959 that a party leader has clinched three straight majority victories in Ontario.
The election, held ahead of the originally scheduled June 4, 2026 vote, was an unexpected snap election called by Ford. He cited the need for a strong mandate to tackle the challenges posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s looming tariff threats. Critics, however, raised suspicions, with some suggesting Ford timed the election to take advantage of favorable polling before the RCMP’s investigation into the controversial Green Belt scandal reached its peak.
Polling stations across Ontario closed at 9 p.m., and by 10:48 p.m., multiple news outlets projected a resounding victory for Ford’s Progressive Conservatives. With 63 seats required for a majority, the Conservatives secured over 80 seats, maintaining a commanding position in the legislature.
Bonnie Crombie’s Disappointment and the Fight for Ontario Liberal Party Relevance
Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie had hoped to rebound from disappointing results in the previous two Ontario general elections (2018 and 2022) and bring her party back to political relevance. However, her bid for a seat in Mississauga East-Cooksville ended in defeat. Despite a strong challenge against Conservative candidate Silvia Gualtieri—who also happens to be the mother-in-law of former Ontario PC leader and current Brampton mayor Patrick Brown—Crombie lost the seat in a tightly contested race. This marks a significant blow for the Liberals, but Crombie remained steadfast, confirming she would continue as party leader during her speech at the Liberal Party’s election night event in Mississauga.
NDP’s Mixed Results: Holding the Official Opposition and Struggling in Rural Areas
Marit Stiles, leader of the Ontario NDP, successfully secured her party’s place as the Official Opposition, though the NDP faced challenges, particularly in rural areas. Despite strong performances in urban centers, the NDP struggled to rally support in some key regions, especially in rural Ontario, where the Conservatives held significant sway. Stiles, along with Green Party leader Mike Schreiner, managed to hold on to their seats, despite intense competition.
Key Ridings and Unexpected Outcomes
Several ridings became focal points of attention during the election night. The political battle in these areas was closely scrutinized by pundits and voters alike, with the results providing a few surprises.
- Mississauga East-Cooksville: This riding was a key battleground, as it was the only Mississauga riding not previously held by a Progressive Conservative. Bonnie Crombie’s attempt to secure a seat here fell short as Silvia Gualtieri took the win. The race was heated, and Gualtieri’s strong ties to the Brown political dynasty helped her clinch the seat.
- Toronto-St. Paul’s: This riding, traditionally a Liberal stronghold, flipped to the NDP in 2018. However, former CP24 anchor Stephanie Smyth managed to reclaim the seat for the Liberals, marking a significant victory for the party in its efforts to regain ground after poor performances in past elections.
- Hamilton Centre: This seat has historically been an NDP stronghold. However, following Andrea Horwath’s resignation in 2022, it became a fiercely contested area. The wild card here was Sarah Jama, who had won the seat in a 2023 by-election but was expelled from the NDP due to insubordination. Running as an independent, Jama garnered significant support from unions and labor groups, but ultimately NDP candidate Robin Lennox emerged victorious.
- Etobicoke-Lakeshore: The Liberals aimed to unseat Conservative incumbent Christine Hogarth, coming within a narrow 842 votes of victory in the 2022 election. Their strategy paid off in 2025, as Lee Fairclough secured the seat for the Liberals, marking a significant shift in a traditionally Conservative stronghold.
- Parry Sound-Muskoka: This riding saw a rematch between PC Graydon Smith and Green Party’s Matt Richter, who had come close to victory in the 2022 election. Despite a tight race, the Conservatives managed to hold on to this seat, dashing Green Party hopes of securing a third seat in the legislature. However, Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner retained his seat as the MPP for Guelph, and Aislinn Clancy successfully reclaimed a seat for the Greens in Kitchener Centre.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Ontario’s Political Landscape?
With Ford’s resounding victory in the 2025 Ontario election, the stage is set for the provincial government to continue its work under the Progressive Conservatives. This election result solidifies Ford’s leadership and gives the PC party a clear mandate to address the challenges ahead, including trade tensions with the U.S. and ongoing provincial issues.
However, with the Liberals and NDP securing significant wins in key ridings, and the Green Party holding steady in certain areas, the political landscape in Ontario remains competitive. With several parties and leaders committed to their roles, the next few years will undoubtedly bring more intense political battles as the province moves toward the next major election in 2026. The 2025 snap election may have set the tone for future contests, but it has also left many questions about the direction Ontario’s political future will take.