With polls showing a dramatic drop in NDP support, Jagmeet Singh finds himself in the unfamiliar position of having to defend not just his campaign platform, but the very future of his party. Once considered a rising political figure who energized a new generation of voters with bold ideas and charismatic presence, Singh is now struggling to shift the conversation away from looming electoral defeat and toward a renewed vision for progressive politics in Canada.
The latest polling numbers paint a grim picture for the NDP, with support falling from around 20 percent in January to single digits on the campaign trail. The Liberals, meanwhile, have surged into first place, buoyed by the entry of new leader Mark Carney and a renewed sense of urgency among voters concerned about a potential Conservative government under Pierre Poilievre. For many progressive Canadians, that concern has translated into strategic support for the Liberals, leaving the NDP in an increasingly precarious position.
For Singh, this shift in momentum has brought intense scrutiny, including renewed criticism of his personal style. Detractors have pointed to his designer suits, Rolex watch, and past rides in luxury vehicles as contradictions to his working-class messaging. Conservatives once branded him a “Maserati Marxist,” but Singh has long maintained that his polished appearance is rooted in a lesson passed down by his father, a self-made psychiatrist who rose from humble beginnings in Punjab. His father’s belief that one had to “look the part” to earn respect in Canadian society has deeply influenced Singh’s approach to public life.
Over the course of the campaign, Singh has adapted his image, opting for more casual clothing like sweaters and jeans in an attempt to connect with voters on a more relatable level. Yet the ground beneath his feet continues to shift. Last year, Singh ended the supply-and-confidence agreement that had allowed the NDP to influence key Liberal policies, including national dental care and pharmacare. That decision was seen as a bid to carve out political space as a distinct and viable alternative to both the Liberals and Conservatives.
For a moment, that strategy seemed to work. The NDP drew even with the Liberals in some polls, suggesting the party might be gaining ground. But the momentum faltered with Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation and the unexpected resurgence of Donald Trump in the United States. Concerns over Trump’s aggressive trade stance and his inflammatory comments about Canada have made some voters anxious, pushing many centre-left Canadians back into the Liberal fold out of fear of a Conservative victory.
Now Singh finds himself campaigning not as a contender for power, but as a leader trying to preserve his party’s relevance. He’s often fielding questions not about his platform, but about whether the NDP can survive this election. Despite these challenges, Singh remains publicly optimistic. At a recent stop in Saskatoon, he rallied a small group of supporters with chants and upbeat energy, urging them to stay motivated and hopeful. While some responded with enthusiasm, others looked on with uncertainty.
In interviews, Singh has expressed that he’s in good spirits and enjoying the campaign, citing the joy he finds in working with his close-knit team. His campaign bus is filled with laughter, music, and shared memories. Among his closest allies is longtime friend Amneet Singh, who first encouraged Singh’s entry into federal politics and now serves as the party’s digital director. Together with Singh’s younger brother Gurratan, the group forms a tight circle of loyalists dedicated to the campaign, even under mounting pressure.
Singh’s political journey began long before his 2017 election as federal NDP leader. Born in Toronto and raised in Windsor, Ontario, with early years spent in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Singh’s childhood was shaped by experiences of racism and bullying. These challenges led him to martial arts, where he found strength and discipline. Wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu became not only hobbies but also spaces of refuge and self-confidence. He still speaks passionately about the lessons learned through combat sports — mutual respect, discipline, and inner resilience.
Since his arrival in Ottawa, Singh’s personal life has also grown. He married Gurkiran Kaur Sidhu, a fashion designer and influencer, in 2018. Together, they have two daughters: Ahnad, now three, and Dani Kaur, just over a year old. Singh’s team often says that what continues to drive him is the opportunity to transform the NDP’s ideals into tangible policy — a vision he remains deeply committed to despite the mounting odds.
As election day approaches and the pressure intensifies, Singh is staying the course. Whether he succeeds in changing the narrative remains uncertain, but for now, he continues to campaign with the same energy, belief, and determination that first brought him to federal politics nearly 15 years ago.