The race for the permanent leadership of Prince Edward Island’s Progressive Conservative (PC) Party has officially become a two-person contest. Following the closing of nominations this past weekend, the party confirmed that Rob Lantz and Mark Ledwell are the only candidates who will appear on the ballot.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Contenders
The race features a contrast between a seasoned provincial politician and a long-time legal and business professional:
- Rob Lantz: A familiar face in PEI politics and MLA for Charlottetown-Brighton. Lantz recently stepped down from his roles as interim premier and interim party leader in December to focus entirely on his bid for the permanent position.
- Mark Ledwell: A veteran lawyer with deep roots in corporate management and community leadership. Ledwell has been on the campaign trail since May 2025, positioning himself as a leader with extensive private-sector experience.
The Road to the Convention
With the candidates finalized, the party is moving into a month of intensive campaigning and public forums. Acting Premier Bloyce Thompson will continue to lead the provincial government until a permanent winner is declared.
Important Deadlines and Events:
- January 16: Final day for Islanders to register as party members to be eligible to vote.
- January Forums: Candidates will face off in three regional forums (Summerside, Montague, and Charlottetown) throughout the month.
- February 7: The new leader will be officially elected at the leadership convention at the Eastlink Centre.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Rob Lantz | Mark Ledwell |
| Primary Background | MLA, Former Cabinet Minister | Corporate Lawyer, Business Leader |
| Political Status | Former Interim Premier | Political Newcomer |
| Campaign Start | December 2025 | May 2025 |
