New Brunswick Southwest

This sprawling riding covers the southwestern corner of the province, stretching from the border town of St. Stephen — twinned with Calais, Maine — along the Bay of Fundy coast through St. Andrews and St. George, then inland through Grand Bay-Westfield, McAdam, and Harvey Station. Charlotte County forms the riding's core, with portions of York, Sunbury, Queens, Kings, and Saint John counties rounding out its boundaries. The riding had been a Conservative stronghold since 1969, with the sole exception of the 1993 Liberal wave.

Candidates

Karen Ludwig (Liberal) — A university professor and former associate dean, Ludwig held graduate degrees and a Certified International Trade Professional designation. She joined the University of New Brunswick's Faculty of Business Administration in 2002 and had been recognized for teaching excellence in UNB's MBA program, winning a departmental teaching award in 2012. She also had experience as a business owner and international exporter.

John Williamson (Conservative) — The incumbent MP first elected in 2011, Williamson had previously served as national director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation from 2004 to 2008, advocating for lower taxes and fiscal accountability. He then served as director of communications in Prime Minister Harper's office before stepping down to pursue his own candidacy. Earlier in his career, he was a founding editorial board member of the National Post.

Andrew Graham (NDP) — Graham ran as the NDP candidate in the riding.

Gayla MacIntosh (Green Party) — MacIntosh represented the Green Party.

About the Riding

The economy of New Brunswick Southwest revolves around aquaculture, fishing, and tourism. Charlotte County's salmon farming industry provides significant employment and has transformed the coastal economy, though tensions between the aquaculture sector and traditional inshore fisheries remained a local concern. The historic town of St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, one of Canada's oldest resort communities, anchors a tourism industry that draws visitors to the Fundy coast. In St. Stephen, the Ganong chocolate factory — Canada's oldest candy company, founded in 1873 — remains a landmark employer and cultural institution. Cross-border commerce with Maine is woven into daily life, as St. Stephen and Calais share an international bridge and deep historical ties. During the campaign, rural broadband access, ferry service, and support for the fishing and aquaculture sectors were among the issues raised by candidates.