NEW GLASGOW — After hours of shifting leads and mounting tension, Liberal incumbent Sean Fraser reclaimed Central Nova in Monday’s federal election – defeating first-time Conservative candidate Brycen Jenkins by more than 4,300 votes.
In the end, by press time, the former Liberal cabinet minister had secured 25,348 ballots (51.8 per cent) to Jenkins’s 21,038 (43.0 per cent). Jesiah MacDonald of the New Democratic Party received 1,603 votes (3.3 per cent), Gerald Romsa of the Green Party 443 votes (0.9 per cent), Charlie MacEachern of the People’s Party 318 votes (0.6 per cent) and Independent Alexander MacKenzie 231 votes (0.5 per cent).
The contest concluded weeks of fierce campaigning across the sprawling 8,500-square-kilometre riding, newly redrawn in 2023, that covers portions of the Halifax Regional Municipality, the towns of New Glasgow, Stellarton, Westville, Pictou and Trenton, and the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s.
Early returns gave Jenkins – a welding inspector, non-destructive testing technician and real estate agent from Pictou County – a slight advantage, sending a surge of energy through Conservative gatherings. But, as advanced polls began to report through the evening, Fraser – a former cabinet minister who was first elected to the riding in 2015 – steadily closed the gap and then pulled far enough ahead to be declared the winner at roughly 11:45 p.m.
In his victory speech to supporters in New Glasgow, Fraser denounced U.S. Donald Trump’s repeated references to Canada as America’s “51st state.” In media interviews afterword, he appeared subdued, but also crystal clear; the campaign battle had been tough, he said, and not just here.
“People were faced with a very clear choice – who is best to represent Canada, to defend Canada, and to stand up to the threat we’re seeing coming from south of the border,” he said. “More than any election I’ve been part of, this was a very clear choice with a clear issue, and thankfully, locally and nationally, voters made the choice I believe was the right one.”
Nationally, Mark Carney’s Liberals were on track for a strong minority government, with 168 seats at press time – just four short of the 172 needed for a majority. In Central Nova – with 67,122 registered electors and 99 per cent of the polls reporting – turnout was 73 per cent, well above the still-high preliminary Elections Canada estimate of 67 per cent for the country as a whole.
Despite a last-minute rally for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre in Central Nova last week, Monday’s result marked a dramatic comeback for the 40-year-old Fraser, who had announced last December that he would not seek re-election, citing a desire to spend more time at home in New Glasgow with his young family. Following conversations with Carney and concerns about rising political polarization in Canada, he changed his mind and entered the race in March, stating, “After reflection and encouragement from community members and national leadership, I realized there was more work to do.”
Throughout his campaign, Fraser emphasized national programs such as $10-a-day childcare, expanded dental care and home heating relief, while promising new efforts to address housing affordability and rural healthcare.
In an exclusive email interview with The Journal earlier this month, he said, “The number one thing I am hearing as I knock on doors and speak with constituents is the incredible concern amidst the uncertainty in our relationship with the United States. People believe Mark Carney had the experience to deal with the economic threats we are facing and have real concerns about whether Pierre Poilievre will stand up to Trump.”
He worried that the threat of U.S. tariffs and a possible return to Trump-style trade policies could seriously impact Canadian jobs, industries and economic stability. “We need strong leadership that will stand up for Canadian interests, defend our workers and keep our economy resilient in the face of those challenges.”
He also underscored the importance of the Liberal platform on affordability and healthcare, emphasizing that “Canadians are facing real and urgent challenges, and this election is about choosing a path forward that strengthens our economy, protects our communities and builds a fairer future for everyone.”
Pledging to fast-track federal support for affordable housing projects already in the pipeline, he vowed “to stand up and fight for local industries like fishing, farming and manufacturing,” while emphasizing the need for greater inclusivity: “Ensuring that underrepresented groups have a seat at the table is not just a goal – it’s a necessity for building fair and effective policies. I have been an ally to all persons throughout my personal, business and political career, and have no intention of stopping now. It’s about listening, learning and taking action that reflects the lived experiences of all Canadians, not just the majority.”
This election, in particular, was about making “smart, compassionate choices,” Fraser said during the campaign. “It’s about leadership that doesn’t flinch in the face of uncertainty.”
After returning to what he called “the most decisive election of my political life,” Fraser offered a final assessment that looked beyond the victory.
“Tangible results start with accountability, action – and that’s what I’ll bring.”
