Former federal minister Pablo Rodriguez was elected leader on June 14, 2025, in a decisive moment for Quebec’s Liberal Party, capturing just over 52.3 percent of the vote after two rounds in a race with five candidates. This victory marks a turning point for the party, which faces a challenging rebuild ahead of the October 2026 provincial election.
Born in Argentina and raised in Sherbrooke from the age of eight, Rodriguez brings a wealth of experience to provincial politics. He represented Montreal’s Honoré‑Mercier riding as a Liberal MP from 2004–2011 and again from 2015–2025.
His experience includes high‑profile roles as Minister of Transport and Minister of Canadian Heritage within former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet. He stepped down from the federal cabinet and caucus to pursue this leadership bid in September 2024.
The leadership contest
The leadership contest, held between June 9 and 14 in Quebec City, drew five contenders. Charles Milliard, the former head of the Quebec Chambers of Commerce, ran a close second, receiving around 47.7 percent in the final round. Other notable candidates included Karl Blackburn, Marc Bélanger, and Mario Roy, who were eliminated in the first ballot.
On stage, Rodriguez reached across former rival lines, inviting all contenders forward in a gesture of unity. "No matter who you supported, we're all together today, united," he told volunteers. He also praised Milliard specifically, saying he sees great value in his experience and foresight.
Speaking after the win, Rodriguez struck a hopeful tone as he said "Starting today, the work begins," he said, pledging to convene with campaign teams and caucus as one united entity preparing for 2026. Notably, he does not yet hold a seat in the National Assembly and said he will not rush to enter through a by-election. Instead, he plans to tour every riding, region, and community to strengthen the party at the grassroots level.
The challenges ahead
The Liberals are rebuilding from a steep decline after they were swept from power in 2018 and sinking to just 21 seats and 14 percent in 2022, a historic low under former leader Dominique Anglade. More troubling, the party has struggled to resonate with francophone voters outside Montreal.
Yet there are signs of renewed optimism. A Léger poll from May showed the Liberals, under Rodriguez, leading the Parti Québécois by one point at 31 percent.” Meanwhile, incumbent Premier François Legault’s CAQ government is losing support, while the PQ is surging, setting the stage for a potential three‑way struggle in the next election.
Now, Rodriguez must translate this energy into a strategy that appeals not just in Montreal, but in all corners of Quebec. With a provincial election looming in 16 months, the stakes could not be higher.
Whether this former federal heavyweight can revive a fractured party, and perhaps rewrite the province's political narrative, remains Quebec's most compelling question.
A leader with federal pedigree
Born in Argentina and raised in Sherbrooke from the age of eight, Rodriguez brings a wealth of experience to provincial politics. He represented Montreal’s Honoré‑Mercier riding as a Liberal MP from 2004–2011 and again from 2015–2025.
His experience includes high‑profile roles as Minister of Transport and Minister of Canadian Heritage within former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet. He stepped down from the federal cabinet and caucus to pursue this leadership bid in September 2024.
The leadership contest
The leadership contest, held between June 9 and 14 in Quebec City, drew five contenders. Charles Milliard, the former head of the Quebec Chambers of Commerce, ran a close second, receiving around 47.7 percent in the final round. Other notable candidates included Karl Blackburn, Marc Bélanger, and Mario Roy, who were eliminated in the first ballot.
On stage, Rodriguez reached across former rival lines, inviting all contenders forward in a gesture of unity. "No matter who you supported, we're all together today, united," he told volunteers. He also praised Milliard specifically, saying he sees great value in his experience and foresight.
Speaking after the win, Rodriguez struck a hopeful tone as he said "Starting today, the work begins," he said, pledging to convene with campaign teams and caucus as one united entity preparing for 2026. Notably, he does not yet hold a seat in the National Assembly and said he will not rush to enter through a by-election. Instead, he plans to tour every riding, region, and community to strengthen the party at the grassroots level.
The challenges ahead
The Liberals are rebuilding from a steep decline after they were swept from power in 2018 and sinking to just 21 seats and 14 percent in 2022, a historic low under former leader Dominique Anglade. More troubling, the party has struggled to resonate with francophone voters outside Montreal.
Yet there are signs of renewed optimism. A Léger poll from May showed the Liberals, under Rodriguez, leading the Parti Québécois by one point at 31 percent.” Meanwhile, incumbent Premier François Legault’s CAQ government is losing support, while the PQ is surging, setting the stage for a potential three‑way struggle in the next election.
Now, Rodriguez must translate this energy into a strategy that appeals not just in Montreal, but in all corners of Quebec. With a provincial election looming in 16 months, the stakes could not be higher.
Whether this former federal heavyweight can revive a fractured party, and perhaps rewrite the province's political narrative, remains Quebec's most compelling question.
