HAMILTON – Andrea Horwath has stepped down as leader of the Ontario NDP and now she’s stepping into the municipal ring. On Tuesday Horwath announced that she is joining the municipal race for Hamilton’s next mayor.
“I really do believe that our city has its best days ahead of us,” Horwath said while announcing the launch of her campaign.
“I have not only the experience but the record of hard work and collaboration – things that Hamiltonians expect of each other and their elected people – and I look forward to using everything that I’ve learned to help us realize the great potential that our city has,” Horwath continued.
She continued to say she believes Hamilton is in a place of “great opportunity” with a fantastic future.
“There are things that we all know we can achieve together, and that’s how we achieve, is together,” Horwath added.
In order to join the race for mayor, Horwath is giving up her seat in the provincial parliament.
“It was something that I did think long and hard about because I do respect very much the years of support that I received from the people of Hamilton-Centre and I will always value that. But I am going to be stepping down, obviously, to seek this position,” she explained.
Horwath is a familiar face who has served Hamilton for quite some time and has a lifelong history with the city. The politician was born in Hamilton after her parents immigrated to Canada from Czechoslovakia. After growing up in the city, Horwath was elected to Hamilton City Council in 1997. Then in 2004, she was elected MPP for Hamilton-Centre, a position she has held ever since.
Online, people have some thoughts about Horwath’s latest venture. Some are excited!
“We need a leader like you in our city! So happy to hear of your plans,” said one person on Twitter.
“Thank you for your service to Ontario and for always stepping up to fight for working people!” said another Twitter user.
Although others are not as happy about the latest mayoral candidate.
“On behalf of many across Ontario, just stop Andrea. You’ve had nothing to show for as NDP leader aside from your doom & gloom. Just stop please for the good of Hamilton,” said one person on Twitter.
“You’re representing Hamilton provincially, why isn’t that enough? This smacks of someone with a ego problem who just wants to be in charge,” said another.
The deadline to register for the race to be Hamilton’s next mayor is August 19th. So far candidates include Andrea Horwath, Keanin Loomis, Bob Bratina and Ejaz Butt. Election day is this fall on October 24th.
