Pablo Rodriguez Elected Leader of the Quebec Liberal Party: A New Chapter Begins
Rodriguez brings renewed energy and rising poll numbers to the Quebec Liberal Party, but questions remain whether he can shake the image of being Ottawa’s man in Quebec.
Nearly a year ago, I wrote an article outlining Pablo Rodriguez’s bid to lead the Quebec Liberal Party (QLP). On June 14th, that ambition became reality. Rodriguez was officially elected as the new leader of the QLP—marking a pivotal moment not just for the party, but for the future of federalist politics in Quebec.
When the Quebec Liberal Party launched its leadership race, I became actively involved—beginning with the Youth Wing’s Congress in August 2024. It was there that I first met three of the potential candidates: Denis Coderre, former Mayor of Montreal; Charles Milliard, former President of the Quebec Chamber of Commerce; and Fred Beauchemin, current Liberal MNA. For those who know me, it’s no secret that Denis Coderre was, and remains, my top choice to lead the QLP, even though the race has now concluded.
It was saddening for me to see the way the party treated and handled Denis Coderre’s situation and I believe that he has some of the best ideas in terms of public safety, healthcare, transportation, energy, water, and evidently the QLP’s policy platform.
Be that as it may, Denis Coderre was ultimately forced out of the race, which led me to realign myself with my second choice, Charles Milliard. From that point on, I took a more reserved approach, observing from the sidelines as the race progressed. On June 14, the day of the leadership election, Pablo Rodriguez secured the leadership with 52.3% of the vote to Milliard’s 47.7% in the second round. Not exactly a landslide, but a clear and convincing win nonetheless. At the end of the day, a win is a win. Milliard did win 59 percent of the second round votes. He has a presence, a place and a credibility within the party, which Mr. Rodriguez should not ignore.
Recent polling shows a noticeable surge for the Quebec Liberal Party under Pablo Rodriguez’s leadership, marking the party’s highest numbers in nearly five years. A Léger poll released shortly after the leadership vote placed the QLP at 31 percent, slightly ahead of the Parti Québécois at 30 percent. While these numbers are certainly encouraging, they reflect a party still operating in a volatile political climate where momentum must be solidified through concrete action, clear policy, and strategic outreach
Other data, such as the Pallas Data poll, offer a slightly different snapshot. According to their figures, the PQ sits at 31 percent while the QLP trails at 26 percent. Even with this variation, it is clear that Rodriguez’s leadership has sparked renewed attention from the electorate. This may be a honeymoon period, typical after a leadership win, but it also suggests the party is beginning to reconnect with voters, including a notable second-place showing among francophones. From my estimation, any viable path to power for the QLP requires consistent support of around 25 to 28 percent among francophone voters. We are not there yet, but the trendline is moving in the right direction.
Still, the shadow of federal politics looms large. Pablo Rodriguez previously served as Quebec Lieutenant for Justin Trudeau, whose popularity in Quebec has taken a sharp hit. For many voters, particularly those outside Montreal, the QLP and the Liberal Party of Canada are seen as two sides of the same coin. This perception may become a liability if Rodriguez fails to clearly distinguish his leadership from that of the federal party. Whether Quebecers view him as a continuation of the past or the beginning of a new chapter will be critical in determining the party’s ability to expand its base.
That being said, there is a real opportunity in front of him. The collapse of the CAQ has left many soft nationalists politically adrift. A majority of Quebecers, especially the younger generation, are not interested in sovereignty or another referendum. If Rodriguez can present a modern, Quebec-focused platform while affirming a clear federalist identity, the QLP may be able to reassemble a broad electoral coalition. That coalition would need to include federalists and soft nationalists, anglophones and francophones, allophones and new Quebecers. It will not be easy, and it will take time, but it is no longer out of reach.
Am I super ecstatic about Pablo’s leadership? Meh. Do I think he has the experience, charisma and ability to lead? Yes. No question. Are the regions in play? Well, that just depends how far the CAQ falls.
One thing is certain. I am with the Quebec Liberal Party all the way. No matter who holds the leadership, as long as we continue to stand for federalism and for a Quebec that plays a strong and united role within Canada, I will remain committed. I will always oppose the Parti Québécois and their referendum demagoguery. If our values stay intact, then I am all in—whether the leader is Pablo, Charles, Marc, Denis, Karl, or anyone else who steps up to carry the QLP banner.
Can the Quebec Liberal Party win in 2026? Time will tell. One thing is certain, Mr. Rodriguez has the name, the ability, and the experience. 2026 may feel far off, but the work starts now. Let’s see if we can get it done.