In 2026, the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick will hold a leadership election to choose a permanent leader to replace Glen Savoie, who became leader on an interim basis following the resignation of Blaine Higgs. Higgs announced his resignation after being defeated in the 2024 New Brunswick general election.
Timeline October 21, 2024 – Blaine Higgs, the leader of the party since 2016 and premier of New Brunswick since 2018, was defeated at the 2024 general election. He resigned as leader after being unseated in his own district. The party lost nine seats at the election, with a total of 16 seats remaining. October 28, 2024 – Saint John East MLA Glen Savoie was announced as interim party leader. May 13, 2025 – Leadership election rules adopted by the party's provincial council. October 18, 2025 – Former Moncton East MLA Daniel Allain announces his candidacy. October 20, 2025 – Campaign period start date. February 7, 2026 – Arcadia-Butternut Valley-Maple Hills MLA Don Monahan announces his candidacy. June 19, 2026 – Candidate application deadline. July 17, 2026 – Candidate review deadline. July 31, 2026 – Ballot qualification deadline for approved candidates. August 14, 2026 – Last day to join the party to vote. October 7, 2026 – Leadership convention takes place.
Rules The election rules were announced in May 2025. To qualify on the ballot, candidates need to collect 500 endorsements from party members, with regional considerations. They also need to donate at least $35,000 to the party and abide by a spending limit of $250,000. Voting will be conducted by mail, using a ranked choice voting system.
Candidates Declared
Daniel Allain, MLA Moncton East (2020–2024), former Minister of Local Government and Local Governance Reform (2020–2023) (declared on October 18, 2025) Don Monahan, MLA Arcadia-Butternut Valley-Maple Hills (declared on February 7, 2026)
Declined Kris Austin, MLA for Fredericton-Grand Lake (2018–present), former Minister of Public Safety (2022–2024), former leader of the People's Alliance of New Brunswick (2010–2022) Glen Savoie, MLA for Saint John East (2010–2014, 2014–present), Leader of the Opposition in New Brunswick (2024–present), interim leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick (2024–present), former Minister of Local Government (2023–2024)
Endorsements
Membership It was reported by Adam Huras of the Telegraph-Journal that as of the membership deadline, 5,632 people were PC members. Allain signed up 2,815 members and Monahan signed up 2,357. 460 members were unattached to either campaign.
Opinion polling Leader preference among PC supporters Polling FirmDate of PollingLink Allain Monahan Neither of these candidates UnsureAbacus DataJuly 29–August 7, 202624%13%11%51%
Leader preference among all voters Polling FirmDate of PollingLink Allain Monahan Neither of these candidates UnsureAbacus DataJuly 29–August 7, 202615%9%20%56%Clear Impact StrategyJuly 202626%14%18%42%
References
See also 2026 Canadian electoral calendar Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick leadership elections
External links Daniel Allain for Leader Don Monahan for Leader