2026 Elections: Former premier Jean Charest’s son to stand as Liberal candidate in Verdun

Antoine Dionne Charest, son of former premier Jean Charest, will run in the Verdun riding for the Liberals in the 2026 Quebec elections.

The son of former Premier Jean Charest, Antoine Dionne Charest, was finally officially nominated as the Liberal candidate for the Montreal constituency of Verdun on Wednesday evening.

It was undoubtedly the worst-kept secret in Quebec politics. Antoine Dionne Charest had stated on several occasions that he wished to stand as a candidate for the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ).

His candidacy was made official at a nomination rally, which brought together former and current Liberal elected representatives, as well as members of his family, including his mother, Michèle Dionne.

PLQ leader Charles Milliard was also in attendance. He described the candidate as “anything but a tourist” within the party.

“Antoine has done just about everything in the Quebec Liberal Party, except reach the highest echelon, which is to be in the arena,” said Milliard. “You’ve been in the arena of debate for a long time. Now, I can’t wait to see you in the arena in the Salon Bleu.”

Speaking to journalists, Milliard said he was “convinced that Antoine is part of the renewal” of the party.

Dionne Charest has been active in the PLQ for 20 years. He has been involved in the political commission and the party’s revitalization committee. He has already spoken out in favour of adopting a Quebec constitution.

“Politics is in my blood,” said Dionne Charest in a speech lasting more than ten minutes.

He spoke of the influence of his father, Jean Charest, who was absent from the nomination night “due to a busy schedule,” said the new candidate.

“My father inspired me to strive to be the best I can be and to serve the people, and I owe him a great deal,” said Dionne Charest, before receiving a wave of applause.

Dionne Charest does not seem to fear comparisons with his father, who was Premier of Quebec from 2003 to 2012, stating that he is “proud” of his parents.

“I am proud of what my parents have achieved. They instilled in me a sense of values and political commitment. My parents have given me so much. I’d like to give something back to the people of Verdun,” he said during a news conference.

The constituency in the south-west of the Island of Montreal has long been a Liberal stronghold. It fell to Québec solidaire with the election of Alejandra Zaga Mendez in 2022.

Dionne Charest said he wanted to “restore a results-oriented culture.”

He believes that things have not improved in Verdun, following eight years of CAQ government and four years of Québec Solidaire rule in the constituency.

During the Liberal leadership race, Dionne Charest threw his support behind the former Roberval MNA Karl Blackburn. It was ultimately Pablo Rodriguez who won.

Rodriguez was forced to resign six months after his victory due to allegations of irregularities in the funding of his campaign. Milliard was subsequently crowned leader.

The next Quebec provincial election will take place in October 2026.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 17, 2026.