Progressive Conservative Susan Lahey Wins York-Simcoe Provincial By-Election

QUEEN’S PARK, Ont. — Progressive Conservative candidate Susan Lahey has secured victory in the York-Simcoe provincial by-election, retaining the riding for Premier Doug Ford’s governing majority at Queen’s Park following a late-summer campaign centered on regional transit infrastructure, highway corridor expansion, and local healthcare delivery.

Lahey, a local entrepreneur and former municipal councillor in East Gwillimbury, captured the seat in the September 3 by-election, which was triggered earlier this year following the resignation of former cabinet minister Caroline Mulroney. Unofficial Elections Ontario vote tallies confirmed Lahey built a decisive plurality across polling divisions in Georgina, East Gwillimbury, and surrounding lakeside agricultural communities.

The outcome reinforces the Progressive Conservative caucus in the Ontario Legislative Assembly, validating the government’s infrastructure agenda across the fast-growing northern Greater Toronto Area and southern Simcoe County corridor. Key issues throughout the by-election contest included provincial funding for the proposed Bradford Bypass highway link connecting Highway 400 and Highway 404, hospital redevelopment investments at Southlake Regional Health Centre in nearby Newmarket, and agricultural preservation initiatives surrounding the Holland Marsh.

Opposition candidates from the Ontario New Democratic Party and the Ontario Liberal Party campaigned vigorously on healthcare staffing shortages, public school infrastructure backlogs, and environmental concerns regarding wetland impacts along the highway route. However, voters in York-Simcoe ultimately opted for continuity under the governing party’s platform.

"The residents of York-Simcoe have sent a clear message that they want practical infrastructure investments, reliable transit options, and economic growth that supports families and local small businesses," said Premier Doug Ford in a congratulatory statement following the results. "Susan Lahey brings deep community roots and municipal leadership to our caucus, and she will be an exceptional champion for the people of York-Simcoe at Queen’s Park."

In her victory remarks to supporters, Lahey pledged to focus immediately on constituent services and legislative committee work as the provincial legislature reconvenes for its autumn session.

"Representing our community at Queen’s Park is an extraordinary responsibility," Lahey told campaign volunteers. "Whether expanding access to family doctors, seeing the Bradford Bypass through to completion, or protecting the unique character of our rural towns and lakefronts, I am dedicated to working every single day for the families of York-Simcoe."

Lahey will be formally sworn in as Member of Provincial Parliament prior to the resumption of regular legislative debates in Toronto.