NDP's Sarah Jama elected as next MPP for Hamilton Centre

New Democrat Sarah Jama has been elected as the next member of provincial parliament for Hamilton Centre. 

With all 53 polls counted, Jama, a 28-year-old disability and housing activist, had won 54 per cent of the vote — or 9,560 votes — in the byelection Thursday. The Liberals' Deirdre Pike came in second, with 20 per cent, or 3,535 votes. 

"Not only did we show [that] people who don't normally fit in processes could be political, could take up seats at Queen's Park, we also showed we could do this with resounding power," Jama said to a crowd gathered Thursday night at the Westinghouse building downtown.

"This was a decisive victory."

Jama thanked her team and supporters, saying they knocked on over 10,000 doors in the city.

The byelection was held to replace former Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath, who stepped down as MPP in the summer to run for mayor.

Horwath congratulated Jama Thursday night. 

"I know you will take great pride in this new role as you advocate for & represent the people of Hamilton-Centre. It was an honour for me to serve this riding for 15 years & I look forward to seeing the commitment & passion you'll bring to the post," Horwath wrote on Twitter.

Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles told CBC Hamilton Jama will play "a powerful and important role" in the caucus.

When asked if Jama symbolized the NDP moving in a different direction, Stiles said Jama brings "new energy" and "new representation."

"Our party was formed by a bunch of farmers coming together with labour unions and social activists. It's in our blood," she said.

Across town, Pike thanked her supporters. "What an incredible campaign. It was such an honour meeting and hearing from so many of you," she said on Twitter. 

She told CBC Hamilton she felt "really proud" about "all that we accomplished." In the June 2022 provincial election, the Liberal candidate came in third, behind the PC party candidate. 

Ten candidates were vying to become the riding's first new provincial representative in 16 years. Also running was Progressive Conservative candidate Pete Wiesner, who received 15.2 per cent of the vote, and Green Party candidate Lucia Iannantuono, who received 6.9 per cent.