Toronto—St. Paul’s

Toronto—St. Paul’s was one of the most closely watched ridings in the 2025 election. NDP incumbent Jill Andrew, who had made history in 2018 as the first openly queer Black MPP elected in Ontario, sought a third term against a well-known Liberal challenger in a riding that had historically been Liberal territory before the 2018 NDP wave. Andrew had been an active MPP during the 2022–2025 term, championing private member’s legislation on issues including eating disorders awareness, hospital parking fees, and tenant protections. The Eglinton Crosstown LRT, whose construction had disrupted the riding for years, remained unfinished and became a symbol of provincial infrastructure mismanagement.

Candidates

Stephanie Smyth (Liberal) — Smyth spent over thirty-five years as a Toronto journalist, most prominently as a lead anchor and managing editor at CP24 from 2008 to 2022. She earlier served as news director at 680 News and held leadership roles at Global Television and AM 640 Toronto. After leaving CP24, she founded a communications consultancy. A lifelong midtown Toronto resident, she had deep roots in the riding.

Jill Andrew (NDP) — Andrew held a PhD in Education from York University and had worked as a child and youth worker, teacher, and university lecturer. She co-founded Body Confidence Canada and the #SizeismSUCKS campaign. During her time as MPP, she championed legislation on eating disorders awareness, ending hospital parking fees, and addressing above-guideline rent increases. She served as the NDP’s critic for Culture and Heritage and for Women’s Social and Economic Opportunities.

Riley Braunstein (Progressive Conservative) — Braunstein had a background in stakeholder relations, government operations, and education. He campaigned on transit improvements, mental health support, and job creation.

Chloe Tangpongprush ran for the Green Party.

Local Issues

The Eglinton Crosstown LRT dominated local frustration throughout the 2022–2025 term. The 19-kilometre transit line, under construction since 2011, remained unfinished, with Metrolinx confirming in 2024 that it would not open by year’s end. Disputes between Metrolinx and the Crosslinx consortium, including a 2023 lawsuit over project delays, further shook public confidence. Years of construction had forced the closure of businesses along Eglinton Avenue, caused persistent traffic congestion in surrounding midtown neighbourhoods, and left residents with no clear opening date. The issue became a flashpoint for broader questions about government accountability for infrastructure projects.

Housing affordability and tenant protections were also significant concerns. The riding’s mix of affluent single-family homes and rental apartment buildings created sharp contrasts in residents’ experiences. Tenants in older buildings faced rising costs and above-guideline rent increase applications, while local food banks reported continued high demand since the pandemic. Andrew’s advocacy on these issues during her term resonated with many renters in the riding.

The contest between Andrew and Smyth became one of the most competitive races in the province. The riding’s history as Liberal territory, the strong personal profile of Smyth as a well-known media figure, and strategic support from voters concerned about the NDP’s prospects combined to make the outcome uncertain heading into election day.