Rob Lantz to Resume PEI Premiership After Winning PC Leadership Race

Rob Lantz will once again become the premier of Prince Edward Island after winning the Progressive Conservative leadership race at the party’s convention on Feb. 7.

Lantz was named interim party leader and premier in February 2025, following the resignation of Premier Dennis King after six years in office. Lantz stepped down in December 2025 to run for leadership of the party, as required by party rules, while his deputy premier, Bloyce Thompson, was named premier and interim PC leader.

In the Feb. 7 leadership election, Lantz received 2,889 votes, or 53.1 percent of the total votes cast, while his rival Mark Ledwell, a lawyer and business leader, received 2,542 votes, or 46.7 percent of total votes cast.

Lantz said during his speech that the numbers set a record for the party.

“Over the course of this leadership race, something powerful happened to this party. It grew,” he said during the convention at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown. “Today, we saw a record number of people take part and cast their vote.”

He said the party was best united and focused on the work they share, adding that was how he intends to lead.

“As leader, my focus is clear. Keep this party growing, keep people engaged, and keep our attention exactly where it belongs: on delivering results,” Lantz told the crowd.

Lantz said he looked forward to working on behalf of all Prince Edward Islanders.

“I am humbled to get back to work for you,” he said.

Prior to entering provincial politics, Lantz served two terms on the Charlottetown City Council. He previously worked as a consultant in the information technology industry, and was involved in business startups in bioscience, sports technology, and renewable energy sectors.

Lantz was first elected as MLA for Charlottetown-Brighton in April 2023. He has taken on roles as the minister of housing, land, and communities, and as minister of education and early years.

He first served as premier from Feb. 21, 2025 to Dec. 12, 2025.

The PCs won the provincial election in 2023, their second consecutive win, forming a majority government. The next provincial election needs to take place by October 2027.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.