NDP betting on these people and ridings to reverse its electoral fortunes

The New Democratic Party (NDP) is gearing up for the 2025 federal election with a strategic plan to target battleground ridings where they believe they have a competitive edge. While the party plans to field candidates in all 343 federal ridings, they have been working diligently to strategically place candidates with a proven track record of getting elected in key ridings across the country.

According to a CBC News source within the NDP, the party sees opportunities for growth in Edmonton, the Halifax area, Montreal, Ottawa, and the Greater Toronto Area. The party is keeping their list of battleground ridings confidential to avoid giving other parties an advantage in the upcoming election, which they believe could happen sooner than expected.

The NDP’s strategy includes leveraging candidates with a history of winning elections, particularly those who have transitioned from provincial politics to the federal arena. In Ontario, for example, the party has three candidates who have successfully held provincial seats and are now vying for federal positions. Monique Taylor, Joel Harden, and Bhutila Karpoche are all hoping to secure NDP victories in their respective ridings and make a significant impact in the upcoming election.

The NDP’s decision to nominate candidates with a proven track record may be a response to the party’s 2021 campaign debrief, which highlighted the need to focus on incumbent and battleground ridings rather than spreading resources too thin. The party aims to regain seats lost in previous elections and strengthen its presence in Eastern Canada, particularly in regions where they have historically performed well.

While the NDP faces challenges in the upcoming election, with the CBC Poll Tracker projecting fewer seats than in 2021, the party remains committed to its goal of expanding its footprint and securing key victories in strategic ridings. Candidates like Avi Lewis, who is challenging Liberal stalwart Hedy Fry in Vancouver Centre, are determined to defy the odds and build momentum for the NDP in traditionally challenging ridings.

As the NDP prepares for the 2025 federal election, they are focused on mobilizing grassroots support, leveraging experienced candidates, and targeting key battleground ridings where they believe they have a fighting chance. With a strategic approach and a dedicated team of volunteers, the NDP is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming election and secure key victories across the country.