Another member of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) has decided to step away from provincial politics ahead of the 2026 general election. Sylvain Lévesque, the MNA for the Quebec City region, has publicly announced that he will not be seeking re-election.
A Growing Trend of Departures
The announcement, made public on December 19, 2025, positions Lévesque as the latest in a series of CAQ members of the National Assembly who have chosen not to run again for Premier François Legault's party. While the specific reasons for his personal decision were not detailed in the initial report, his departure is noted as part of a broader pattern within the governing party as it prepares for the next electoral contest.
Lévesque, who has served as the MNA for his riding, has been a part of the CAQ team during its time in government. His exit will necessitate the party to find a new candidate to carry its banner in that constituency, a process that will unfold over the coming months.
Political Landscape Ahead of 2026
This news comes at a time when all Quebec political parties are beginning to solidify their strategies and candidate rosters for the next provincial election. The departure of experienced incumbents can present both a challenge and an opportunity for a party. It opens the door for renewal and new faces but also means a loss of institutional knowledge and established local presence.
For the CAQ, maintaining strong representation in the Quebec City region, a key political battleground, will be crucial. The party will need to ensure a smooth transition and rally support behind a new candidate to retain the seat.
What This Means for the CAQ
The announcement underscores a period of transition within the CAQ caucus. As the 2026 election draws nearer, the composition of the team surrounding Premier François Legault is evolving. Each departure prompts questions about the party's direction and its appeal to both current members and the electorate.
Political analysts will be watching closely to see if this trend continues and how the party manages these changes. The focus will now shift to who will step forward to replace Lévesque as the CAQ candidate and whether the party can consolidate its support in the region amidst these changes.
