Mathieu Lacombe, the minister of Culture and Communications and representative for Papineau, announced Thursday he will not run in the October 2026 elections [1], [2].
This departure signals a continuing trend of exits within the governing party as Quebec prepares for its next provincial cycle. Lacombe serves as a key member of the cabinet, and his decision to step aside creates a vacancy in a critical regional riding.
Lacombe made the announcement on June 18, 2026 [1]. He said that he will not be a candidate for the provincial elections scheduled for October 2026 [1], [2], [3].
The announcement marks a significant moment for the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ). Lacombe is the 33rd member of the party to announce that he will not be part of the upcoming October contest [4].
While he is leaving his current post, Lacombe has not completely severed ties with the political sphere. He said he is not closing the door to a long-term political life [3].
The minister's exit adds to a growing list of departures that may force the party to restructure its candidate list for the Papineau region. With the election only months away, the party must now identify a successor to maintain its hold on the seat.
“Lacombe is the 33rd member of the party to announce that he will not be part of the upcoming October contest.”
The departure of a sitting minister as the 33rd CAQ member to exit before the October 2026 election suggests a broader transition period within the governing party. This wave of retirements may lead to a shift in leadership dynamics or a need for the party to recruit new faces to avoid losing momentum in key ridings like Papineau.
