Star candidates vie for open seat in Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas
The race to fill Hamilton's
only open seat
includes a couple of big names in local politics — and one big difference in how they're selling themselves to voters.
John-Paul Danko, a Ward 8 councillor, hopes to hold
Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas
for the Liberals after the departure of MP and cabinet minister Filomena Tassi.
John-Paul Danko, the Liberal candidate for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, during a federal election debate Monday at Cable 14.
He said he jumped into the race at the last minute because of the same concerns he is now hearing at the door — 'Trump, tariffs and the need to protect the economy — protect our sovereignty,' he said. 'My two kids are 16 and 18 and I've never been more concerned about their future than I am right now.'
On council, Danko has not been afraid to give interviews or opine about hot-button issues — a sometimes-contentious trend NDP rival Roberto Henriquez
seized on during a recent riding debate
.
The Conservatives, meanwhile, long ago recruited Erika Alexander — the granddaughter of one of the most respected politicians in Hamilton history, the
Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander
.
Erika Alexander, centre, is the Conservative candidate for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas. She is pictured at Pierre Poilievre's Stoney Creek news conference Wednesday morning.
Alexander's website says she 'carries the legacy' of her grandfather, Canada's first Black MP and cabinet minister, who was a leading advocate for racial equality.
Her online biography also describes her as 'passionate about public speaking' — but the candidate has been criticized for skipping a televised Cable 14 debate and not participating in some local news coverage in the riding, unlike other party candidates.
'Right now we're focusing on voters contacts, so we're out 12 hours a day,' said Alexander, who agreed to an interview after The Spectator caught up to her at a local appearance with Tory Leader Pierre Poilievre Wednesday. 'We're just really busy.'
Conservative campaigns at various levels have been accused of encouraging — or directing — inexperienced candidates to avoid debates in order to prevent damaging 'unscripted moments,' said local political scientist Chris Erl.
Erl said such a strategy does a disservice to voters who want to learn more about prospective MPs — and it would not necessarily help Alexander, either.
He argued the personable Hamilton MP affectionately known as Linc was a 'skilled orator and very good debater' who was never afraid to offer a comment on important issues of the day. 'So to not allow (Erika Alexander) the opportunity to showcase those talents is a bit of a strange approach.'
Alexander told The Spectator she was not instructed to skip debates by the national campaign.
But her absence from the Cable 14 debate and some local news coverage spurred criticism online as well as from fellow candidates, with Danko sarcastically asking if Alexander 'even exists.'
New Democrat candidate Henriquez, who also ran in 2021, said in an interview he thought skipping debates and ducking 'public' questions about party policy is 'disrespectful' to the democratic process.
Roberto Henriquez, the NDP candidate for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, during a federal election debate Monday at Cable 14.
Green candidate Georgia Beauchemin also chimed in during the debate to wonder aloud if the Tory was a 'paper candidate.'
Alexander shrugged off the criticism as campaign politics, adding she is happy to talk policy with residents one-on-one. She said was inspired to get involved in politics in part because of her grandfather — and also a meeting with Poilievre, the Tory leader, who later went door-to-door in the riding with her last year.
'He actually reminds of my grandfather in the way where he remembers everyone's name, he shakes everyone's hand, he takes time out … to really listen to people.'
The party's focus on improving affordability and community safety appealed to the former civilian employee of Hamilton police. 'We do need to support our police services.'
Erl said prior to the resignation of former prime minister Justin Trudeau, it looked like Alexander was 'a sure bet' in a riding with an open seat and a then-flailing Liberal party.
But after Mark Carney was elected Liberal leader — and U.S. President Donald Trump started threatening economic annexation — Liberal support has skyrocketed in polls. NDP support, by contrast, has cratered.
Henriquez acknowledged the frustration of seeing constant reporting on 'self-defeating' national polls, but said he is having success 'changing minds' of voters at the door by emphasizing the importance of the NDP's progressive voice in Parliament.
Erl said bringing in a 'known personality' like Danko — who as a councillor represented part of the federal riding on the west Mountain — gives the Liberals a good shot at holding the seat. He has also benefited from Tassi's endorsement, volunteer base and a lightning rally earlier this month in the city by Carney.
'He has a record in the community and people know who is, for better or worse,' said Erl, who added the Liberal has abandoned a sometimes 'confrontational' social media style during the federal campaign.
Poll-based forecasting websites differ on which party will come out ahead in the April 28 vote — with one calling HWAD a red-blue 'toss-up' and another a 'safe' Liberal riding.
Erl wouldn't count out either party. 'I think both the Conservatives and the Liberals believe they have a good shot at this riding.'
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