Andrea Horwath (born October 24, 1962) is a Canadian politician, MPP and community development coordinator. She currently serves as the Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party and Leader of the Official Opposition in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. She also is a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the riding of Hamilton Centre, and was won the leadership of the Ontario New Democrats in the 2009 leadership election.
Provincial politics
By-election
Horwath was first elected in the 2004 by-election of the provincial riding of Hamilton East.
2007 election
In the 2007 Ontario election, Horwath ran in the new riding of Hamilton Centre and won it.
2009 NDP leadership
On November 7, 2008, Horwath officially launched her campaign to become the leader of the Ontario New Democrats. The leadership election was held March 6–8, 2009 and she won all three election ballots.
2011 election
The 2011 provincial election saw a rise for the NDP under Horwath however still in third place. The party was balanced out, with a Dalton McGunity minority government.
2014 election
In the 2014 provincial election, the NDP was able to continue its seat count of 21, however the Liberals still won a majority government.
2018 election
Horwath running a third time, against the Liberal government led by Kathleen Wynne and a Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario led by Doug Ford. Horwath promised to introduce a provincial dental plan and prescription drugs. She also promised a child care plan and return Hydro One to public ownership by buying back privately held shares. She also promised to close the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station immediately, while the other party leaders have pledged to keep it open until 2024.
The party's support in public opinion polls increased in May 2018, leading to greater media attention and greater scrutiny for Horwath and her party. She ultimately led the party to official opposition status in the Legislature, the second highest number of seats in the party's history.
