The Coalition Avenir Québec announced on June 26 that former municipal councillor Carla Pierre-Paul will run as the party’s candidate in the Saint‑Jérôme riding, stepping in for outgoing MP Youri Chassin. Pierre-Paul’s nomination is part of a broader slate of fresh faces the governing CAQ is presenting across the province.
The selection follows a wave of departures within the party’s parliamentary caucus. In total, 33 members of the National Assembly have declared they will not seek re‑election at the end of the current term, and more than 30 additional legislators have issued withdrawal announcements. These exits have prompted the CAQ to revamp its candidate roster ahead of the next provincial election.
In addition to the Saint‑Jérôme appointment, the party disclosed several new candidates for ridings in Montreal, signalling a concerted effort to renew its representation in the city’s diverse districts. While specific names for the Montreal nominations were not detailed, the announcement underscores the CAQ’s intention to field a refreshed team of candidates province‑wide.
Pierre-Paul, who previously served on municipal council, brings local governance experience to the campaign. Her candidacy replaces that of Youri Chassin, who has stepped down after serving as the MP for Saint‑Jérôme. The party has not released further commentary on Chassin’s departure.
The CAQ’s reorganization reflects a strategic response to the sizable turnover among its elected officials. By introducing new candidates such as Pierre-Paul, the party aims to maintain its presence in key ridings while addressing the vacancy left by Chassin’s exit. The upcoming election will test the effectiveness of this refreshed slate as voters assess the new faces presented by the governing party.