Local incumbents re-elected

Trudeau wins minority government

By Mark Ribble

REGIONAL — The Conservative incumbents in Chatham-Kent Leamington and Essex appear to be re-elected to their seats after Monday’s federal election.

Although Elections Canada has announced that they won’t make it official until Saturday, September 25, local and national media outlets are declaring victories for both local incumbents.

The media has also declared Justin Trudeau re-elected as Prime Minister, with a minority government.

DAVE EPP

As of Tuesday morning, Epp had a 6500-vote lead over Liberal candidate Greg Hetherington with 269 of the 272 polls reporting.

Lewis meanwhile, had a 6200-vote lead in the riding of Essex over NDP candidate Tracey Ramsey, who was trying to win back the seat she lost in the last election. All but one poll were in.

Mail-in votes were being counted later Tuesday, but experts feel the trend will continue through that process.

CHRIS LEWIS

Totals as of Tuesday morning had Epp at 21,605 votes to Hetherington’s 15,045. NDP candidate Dan Gelinas grabbed 7,761 to People’s Party Liz Vallee’s 7,737. The Green Party’s Mark Vercouteren got 820 votes.

Lewis had garnered 27,688 votes in Essex with Ramsey at 21,428. Liberal Audrey Festeryga had 10,408, while People’s Party Beth Charron-Rowberry had 6,773. Nancy Pancheshan from the Green Party had 839, while Christian Heritage candidate Jeremy Palko had 180. Independent Andrew George got 168 votes.

Reached for comment Tuesday morning, Epp said he was grateful for his constituents’ trust.

“It’s not so much a victory as it is a trust and I’m honoured I’ve received their trust,” he said. “Thanks to the other candidates, my family and my team of volunteers, who I couldn’t have done this without. Now, it’s back to the work that was interrupted.” Lewis was not available for comment.