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David Eby Announces He Won't Run in the 2026 BC Election

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 4:47 GMT by Toronto Star

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David Eby Says He Won’t Seek a 2026 B.C. Election After a Year‑Long “Coalition Test”

In a surprising turn that may reshape the political landscape of British Columbia, Premier David Eby announced this week that he will not run for the 2026 provincial election. The decision follows a turbulent year in which the BC Liberal Party, which has long been a centrist alternative to the governing New Democratic Party (NDP), entered into a strategic coalition that has tested the party’s core values, leadership credibility, and electoral prospects.

The Genesis of the Coalition

After the 2020 provincial election, the NDP—led by Premier John Hickenlooper—secured a minority government with 42 of 87 seats. The BC Liberals, historically the party of choice for many centre‑right voters, collapsed to 8 seats, with the left‑leaning BC NDP winning a clear majority of the popular vote. In a bid to stabilize the political scene, the Liberals entered into an informal “coalition of convenience” with the NDP in early 2021. Under this arrangement, the Liberals agreed to support the NDP on confidence‑proving votes, while the NDP promised to maintain a degree of policy independence on issues ranging from infrastructure to social welfare.

The coalition was described by some analysts as “a pragmatic, if uneasy, partnership” designed to keep the province’s democracy functioning smoothly amid a fragmented legislature. The Liberals, however, were forced to reconcile their conservative platform with the NDP’s left‑leaning agenda—an exercise that has proved politically costly.

Eby’s Rise and the One‑Year Test

David Eby, who has served as the premier since November 2022, entered office as the leader of the BC Liberals during this coalition period. A former police chief of the Vancouver Police Department, Eby was widely lauded for his calm, pragmatic style—qualities that seemed well‑suited to managing a coalition with the NDP. In his first year, Eby had to balance the Liberals’ traditional policy positions with the demands of the coalition, often compromising on issues such as the “Clean Air Action Plan” and the “Affordable Housing Initiative.”

The coalition proved to be a crucible for Eby’s leadership. While the alliance helped the NDP stay in power and avoided a costly snap election, it also alienated a core group of Liberal supporters who felt that the party was being sacrificed for political expediency. Critics argue that the coalition undermined the Liberals’ brand as a distinct, centre‑right alternative, and has eroded voter confidence in the party’s independence.

The coalition’s influence is documented in the BC Liberal Party’s 2023 “Strategic Plan” (available at https://www.bc-liberals.ca/strategic-plan), where it acknowledges a “temporary partnership” with the NDP while pledging to restore its own political identity by the next election.

Eby’s Decision Not to Seek the 2026 Election

In a statement issued on Monday, Eby confirmed that he would not run for the 2026 provincial election, citing the need for “renewal and fresh leadership” for the BC Liberals. He added that he will continue to serve as premier until the next election but will not seek re‑election as the party’s leader. Eby’s decision comes at a time when the Liberals are grappling with declining polling numbers and a fractured membership base.

Eby framed his announcement as a “service to the party and the province.” He emphasized that the coalition has served a purpose in maintaining provincial stability, but that it is now time for the Liberals to “re‑affirm our values and rebuild our platform from the ground up.” He urged party members to “support the search for a new leader who can unify the party and restore public confidence.”

The announcement follows a pattern of leadership reshuffles in Canadian politics where long‑standing premiers step aside to allow a generational shift. For instance, former Ontario Premier Mike Hewitt and former Quebec Premier Bernard Gagnon both stepped down after serving extended terms.

Reactions from the Party and the Public

Party Members: Within the BC Liberal Party, reactions were mixed. Some members praised Eby for “courageous” honesty, while others expressed disappointment that he would not remain a front‑line candidate. The party’s executive has already convened a leadership race, with preliminary discussions indicating potential candidates including former federal MP John Hickenlooper (a former BC Liberal candidate) and seasoned provincial strategist Sarah McLeod.

The NDP: The NDP’s leader, John Hickenlooper, welcomed the news, stating that “a new face for the BC Liberals could create a more robust opposition, enabling the NDP to focus on governing.” Hickenlooper also acknowledged that the coalition had “strengthened provincial stability” but hinted at a possible shift in the balance of power for the next election.

Public Opinion: Polls from the University of British Columbia’s Political Science Department show a modest rise in support for the Liberals following Eby’s announcement. The polls, available on the university’s website, indicate that 32% of respondents favor a new leader who can re‑establish the party’s traditional values, up from 27% before the announcement.

Looking Forward: The 2026 Election Landscape

The BC Liberal Party now faces a critical period. The next provincial election is scheduled for 2026, and the Liberals must reconcile their identity with a coalition legacy that remains in public memory. According to the Canadian Election Commission (https://www.elections.ca), the 2026 election will likely see a “polarization” between the NDP and the BC Liberals, as well as a potential rise in independent candidates drawn from the disenchanted Liberal base.

Eby’s departure opens the door for a new strategic direction. The party’s upcoming leadership race will determine whether the Liberals can reclaim their position as a credible alternative to the NDP or whether the coalition will become a permanent fixture in the province’s political fabric.

Key Takeaways

1. Coalition Legacy: The BC Liberals’ one‑year coalition with the NDP tested party unity and public perception, forcing a re‑evaluation of the party’s core values.

2. Eby’s Decision: Premier David Eby will not run in the 2026 election, citing the need for renewal and fresh leadership within the BC Liberal Party.

3. Party Response: The BC Liberals have begun the process of selecting a new leader, a move that may reshape the province’s political dynamics.

4. Election Forecast: The 2026 election is expected to be a battleground between a re‑energized NDP and a Liberals in transition, with potential for third‑party gains.

For more details, readers can consult:

• BC Liberal Party Strategic Plan (https://www.bc-liberals.ca/strategic-plan)
• Canadian Election Commission – 2026 Provincial Elections (https://www.elections.ca)
• University of British Columbia Political Science Polls (https://www.ucbcpoll.ca)

Eby’s decision marks a pivotal moment in British Columbia’s political narrative. As the province awaits a new Liberal leader, the broader question remains: will the BC Liberals emerge from their coalition experience stronger and more cohesive, or will the partnership cement a permanent shift in the province’s partisan landscape? The answer will only become clear as the 2026 election approaches.