Charles Milliard's campaign to lead the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) has secured its first endorsement from within the party's caucus, marking an early boost for the candidate who narrowly lost the previous race.
First Caucus Backing for Milliard's Second Run
On Friday, January 9, 2026, Montreal Liberal MNA Elisabeth Prass publicly declared her support for Milliard. The MNA for the D'Arcy-McGee riding announced her endorsement in a 46-second video message posted on her X (formerly Twitter) account.
"As MNA for D'Arcy McGee, I am proud to support Charles Milliard in the leadership race for the Quebec Liberal Party," Prass stated. She emphasized the need for a leader who "understands the economy and will make responsible choices," qualities she attributes to Milliard.
Prass praised Milliard as someone who "understands people, he listens to them, he builds bridges and looks for solutions rather than create divisions." This backing represents the first from a sitting MNA since Milliard officially launched his candidacy earlier in the week.
A Contender Returns to the Fray
Charles Milliard is the first and, so far, only officially declared candidate in this new leadership contest. He announced his intention to run again on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
This marks Milliard's second attempt at the party's top job. In the first leadership campaign, he finished less than five percentage points behind the winner, Pablo Rodriguez. Rodriguez's decision to resign in December 2025, following controversy over the party's leadership selection process, prompted the PLQ to initiate a second race.
During his initial campaign, Milliard garnered support from several Liberal MNAs, including André Fortin, Virginie Dufour, Madwa-Nika Cadet, and André A. Morin. The deadline for potential candidates to file their official candidacy is February 13, 2026.
The Road Ahead for the Quebec Liberals
The endorsement from a caucus member like Elisabeth Prass provides Milliard with valuable early momentum as he seeks to unite the party. The Quebec Liberals are working to rebuild and refocus after a period of internal debate and a leadership vacuum.
With the candidacy filing window now open, the political landscape within the party is expected to evolve rapidly. Observers will be watching to see if other prominent figures declare their candidacy and which candidates secure further support from the party's elected officials and membership.
