Doug Ford Secures Historic Third Term as Ontario Premier, Poised to Become One of the Province’s Longest-Serving Leaders
Doug Ford has been re-elected as Premier of Ontario, marking his third consecutive majority government and solidifying his status as one of the province’s longest-serving leaders. Ford’s Progressive Conservative (PC) Party victory further cements his position as a dominant political force in Ontario, making him the first premier since Dalton McGuinty to win three consecutive terms.
With this historic win, Ford is now on track to become Ontario’s fourth longest-serving premier, trailing only Leslie Frost, Oliver Mowat, and Bill Davis. Should he complete his four-year term, his tenure will surpass that of Dalton McGuinty, positioning him as one of the most influential figures in modern Ontario politics.
Following his decisive victory, Ford addressed a crowd of jubilant supporters in Toronto, reaffirming his commitment to the economic, infrastructure, and affordability priorities that have been the foundation of his leadership.
“The people of Ontario have spoken loud and clear,” Ford declared. “They have chosen prosperity, they have chosen progress, and they have chosen a government that will continue to fight for working families, businesses, and communities across this great province.”
Ford’s third term is expected to build on the key policies and priorities that defined his first two mandates. He has pledged continued investment in infrastructure, particularly highways and transit, with a $15 billion commitment to fast-track major transportation projects, including a controversial proposal to construct a tunnel beneath Highway 401. Ford’s government is also set to deliver broad-based tax relief, including the permanent reduction of the 5.7 cents per litre provincial gas tax, a measure introduced during his previous term to offset rising living costs.
With a renewed mandate, Ford is also under increasing pressure to focus on healthcare and education, two areas that have faced growing scrutiny. Political analysts suggest that while Ford is likely to maintain his pro-business, low-tax agenda, his government may redirect more spending towards hospitals and schools to address ongoing public concerns.
Speaking on the future direction of the PC government, political commentator Scott Reid noted, “Doug Ford has run on and governed on the unstated promise of stability. His campaign didn’t sell radical change—it sold consistency. Ontarians can expect more of the same, but the question is whether that approach will hold up as public expectations shift toward healthcare and education reforms.”
Despite his electoral success, Ford’s third term will not be without challenges. The ongoing RCMP investigation into the Greenbelt land swap poses a significant political risk. The probe, which has cast a shadow over Ford’s government since last year, could become a major issue if substantial findings emerge. Experts suggest that the outcome of the investigation could define Ford’s political legacy and potentially weaken his standing in future elections.
“Longevity in politics is both a strength and a risk,” Reid added. “The longer you govern, the more time opposition parties have to turn public sentiment against you. If the Greenbelt investigation delivers damaging results, it could be the first major crack in Ford’s otherwise impenetrable political armor.”
Ford’s leadership will also be tested on the economic front, particularly in response to impending U.S. tariffs on Ontario’s manufacturing sector. With the Biden administration preparing to introduce new trade restrictions on March 4, Ford faces a challenging economic landscape that could disrupt key industries. While the Premier has vowed to protect Ontario jobs, experts caution that his power to implement retaliatory measures is limited, as trade policy remains under federal jurisdiction.
“What Ontarians will discover over the next year is that premiers don’t dictate trade policy—prime ministers do,” Reid said. “Ford may advocate for Ontario businesses, but any real response will have to come from Ottawa.”
Ford’s third term victory also comes with significant political milestones, including an increase in PC seats from 79 to 81 in the 2025 election, reinforcing the party’s stronghold in key ridings across the province. With a strengthened mandate, the Premier remains committed to his big-picture industrial projects, ensuring Ontario remains an attractive destination for investment and job growth.
Looking ahead, Ford is determined to secure his place in history as a transformative leader. His third term presents an opportunity to shape a lasting legacy, one that will either be defined by economic growth and infrastructure development or marred by controversies and public dissatisfaction. As he embarks on another four years in office, Ford’s leadership will be closely watched, with both supporters and critics anticipating how he navigates the challenges ahead.