Blaine Higgs will not return to the New Brunswick legislature for the first time in 14 years after losing his seat in Quispamsis to Liberal candidate Aaron Kennedy. The former Progressive Conservative premier, who served from 2018 to 2024, fell short by just 193 votes, with Higgs receiving 3,667 votes compared to Kennedy’s 3,860.
In a surprising turn of events, this election marked a significant shift for Higgs, who had previously defeated Kennedy by over 2,000 votes in the 2018 election. The race also featured candidates such as Andrew Conradi from the Greens, who garnered 378 votes, Alex White, leader of the New Brunswick NDP, with 360 votes, and independent David Raymond Amos, who received 42 votes.
After conceding defeat to Liberal Leader Susan Holt, Higgs reflected on his political journey, stating, “The people of New Brunswick have decided my future.” He intends to meet with the Progressive Conservative caucus to discuss their next steps and future direction.
Higgs noted the challenges he faced in seeking a third mandate but remained proud of his time in office. He hopes the new Liberal government will build on the successes achieved during his administration, emphasizing the importance of continuity in governance.
Throughout his tenure, Higgs led the PCs to significant milestones, including a minority government in 2018 and a majority in 2020. He expressed confidence that the province is in a strong position regarding population growth, health-care investments, and financial stability as he steps away from politics.
