Ontario’s Liberal leadership race down to four candidates - Toronto Star

Long-shot candidate Eric Lombardi is out of Ontario's Liberal leadership race after failing to make a $25,000 payment to the party Wednesday.

Eric Lombardi takes part in the Ontario Liberal leadership debate in Brampton on Aug. 10, 2026.

Long-shot candidate Eric Lombardi has ended his bid for Ontario Liberal leader and is throwing his support to MPP Lee Fairclough.

The 32-year-old financial technology engineer and housing advocate, who has never held elected office, is the second contender to officially exit the Nov. 21 contest, following Ajax MPP Rob Cerjanec’s withdrawal in July.

Lombardi said his relative youth and “blunders” on social media were factors in the decision despite being the first hopeful to issue a fully costed and detailed platform. 

“Voters aren’t only asking how our problems will be solved. They want a leader they can trust ... and has the credibility to lead a government,” he wrote in a commentary for the Star. 

“Ultimately, I couldn’t make a strong enough case for why now,” Lombardi added, noting party members “would like to see me gain more experience.”

Lombardi complained on X last week about a lack of media coverage of a race perceived as “boring” — a post he later retracted — and in Monday night’s debate used vulgar language, repeated on social media, to describe Premier Doug Ford kowtowing to U.S. President Donald Trump. 

Lombardi’s departure leaves four candidates who will be scrambling to win over his supporters. 

The latest Elections Ontario figures show former federal industry minister Navdeep Bains remains the top fundraiser in the contest with $502,806 in donations of $200 or more.

“The momentum we’re seeing tells us that Liberals across the province are ready to build something with Nav,” his campaign said in a statement.

Bains is followed by Fairclough (Etobicoke-Lakeshore) at $376,828 and Don Valley West MPP Stephanie Bowman at $338,924.

Lombardi trailed in fourth spot at $213,362 and former policy adviser Dylan Marando has raised $180,919 for the race, which has a total entry fee of $150,000 payable in installments, a $50,000 debt ceiling and a $1 million spending cap. 

Wednesday was the deadline for another $25,000 installment of the entry fee. 

“We have the resources to remain in this race to the end,” said Marando, who has run a frugal campaign, often staying in campgrounds and driving his own car around the province. He has authorized the party to process his final entry fee payment that is not due until Oct. 30.

Fairclough’s team said a report sent to Elections Ontario on Tuesday night will raise her tally to $403,000 for donations over $200 once it has been processed and posted online. 

“We are proud of the breadth of support Lee is receiving across Ontario,” said a spokesperson for Fairclough, a former hospital CEO and member of Canada’s 1998 World Cup rugby team. 

An official for Bowman, an accountant and former bank executive, said upcoming disclosure to Elections Ontario will also show her fundraising above $400,000.

“The campaign saw an influx of donations following her performance in Monday’s leadership debate,” spokesperson Eric Osborne told the Star.

Party members will cast ranked ballots online for a new leader between Nov. 9 and Nov. 20. Former leader Bonnie Crombie quit in January after failing to win a seat in last year’s provincial election. 

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Rob Ferguson is a Toronto-based reporter covering Ontario politics for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @robferguson1.