Full Breakdown
Ontario Liberal Leadership Candidate Eric Lombardi Withdraws and Endorses Lee Fairclough
By Drooid · · How we work
Withdrawal of a Leadership Contender
Eric Lombardi announced on X that he is ending his bid for the Ontario Liberal Party leadership. He cited insufficient confidence in fundraising and the risk of incurring debt as the primary reasons for stepping aside. Lombardi emphasized that he still believes “Ontario can still win” and will continue to seek ways to serve the province and the party.
Background of the Contest
The leadership race opened after Bonnie Crombie resigned following a lukewarm endorsement at the party’s 2025 annual general meeting and a defeat in the provincial election. Four candidates now remain: former federal cabinet minister Navdeep Bains, legislature member Stephanie Bowman, former political staffer Dylan Marando, and Lee Fairclough, whom Lombardi has endorsed. The party has scheduled the final leadership announcement for later in November.
Key Figures
- Eric Lombardi – Finance and technology entrepreneur turned civic builder; former candidate focused on housing reform and economic opportunity.
- Lee Fairclough – Liberal MPP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore; described by Lombardi as “substantive and pragmatic.”
- Navdeep Bains – Former federal cabinet minister now in the provincial leadership race.
- Stephanie Bowman – Current legislature member and leadership contender.
- Dylan Marando – Former political staffer running for the party’s top post.
Official Statements & Responses
Lombardi’s post highlighted structural challenges he believes are fixable: growing the economy, making housing affordable, building cost-effective infrastructure, improving public services, and expanding opportunities for young Ontarians. He acknowledged that, as a young unelected candidate, his campaign was “a tough sell.”
Lee Fairclough responded on X, praising Lombardi’s drive and stating that his endorsement will help shape policy advice on the economy, housing, and infrastructure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am grateful to everyone who shared our belief that Ontario Can Still Win,” — Eric Lombardi
- “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,” — Lee Fairclough