Ontario Liberal Party leadership candidate Eric Lombardi has ended his campaign.
Lombardi, who describes himself as a “finance and technology entrepreneur turned civic builder, and a leading voice on housing reform, institutional renewal, and economic opportunity for Ontario’s next generation,” shared the news on a post on X that was made just after 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
“I am grateful to everyone who shared our belief that Ontario Can Still Win,” wrote Lombardi, who announced that his is endorsing Etobicoke-Lakeshore Liberal MPP Lee Fairclough.
In response, she said Lombardi “stepped up and conducted yourself with drive, passion and purpose.”
“I know that won’t change and I know it’s given Liberals a lot to think about. As you said, we both see the opportunities ahead for Ontario and the Liberal Party, even if we don’t agree on everything. Building a stronger economy, giving young people the best start, and not being content doing the same old conventional politics the same old way,” Fairclough wrote in a post on X.
“To deliver change to Ontario, and get the Liberals back on the field, it’s going to take all of us at our best working together. I’m grateful for your endorsement and your support. I’m looking forward to your policy advice especially on the economy, housing and infrastructure. Change is coming to Ontario and together with Liberals across the province, we are ready for the fight.”
‘Ontario can still win’: Lombardi
In his statement, Lombardi said he entered this race because he believes “Ontario can still win,” pointing to structural problems that are fixable.
“We can grow our economy, make housing affordable again, build infrastructure at a reasonable cost, improve public services, and give young people a real chance to build a good life here,” he said.
Lombardi admitted that he “always knew” that as an unelected candidate a win would be difficult.
“Ultimately, I did not have enough confidence in fundraising to reach the end without taking on debt,” he said, adding he’ll “keep looking for new opportunities to serve Ontario, Canada, and my party.”
“I know some people will be disappointed. But I feel incredibly proud about the campaign we ran and the ideas we advanced.”
Four remaining candidates are still in the running for leader of the Ontario Liberal Party: Navdeep Bains, Stephanie Bowman, Lee Fairclough, and Dylan Marando.
Rob Cerjanec also previously withdrew his candidacy.
Ontario’s Liberals will vote for their next leader from Nov. 9 to 20. The winner will be announced on Nov. 21.
