For Rachael Mills, it’s just the beginning.
Coming up short in last Thursday night’s provincial election, the 31-year-old Harrow resident is committed to serving her community in the future.
“I can’t imagine myself going back. I always knew that my passion and concerns would lead me to helping people,” Mills told the River Town Times just half an hour before the results came in. “I am not going to disappear, you will see a lot more of me.”
PC incumbent Anthony Leardi finished way ahead with 30,785 votes and will represent Essex County for a second term. Mills was a distant second at 12,047 in her first taste of politics.
With a large group of supporters at Tailgaters Sports Bar in Essex, it did not take long for the NDP faithful to realize that Leardi was the clear winner. The first numbers saw the PC candidate with 380 votes compared to 156 for Mills and Liberal candidate Tamara Stomp at 99.
“The results weren’t what we were hoping for (in Essex) but no one is getting rid of me that easy. This is just the trail head,” said Mills.
As the numbers from the 56 Essex County polls unfolded, Mills went about the business of interacting with supporters and even cutting and serving a cake to show her gratitude.
“A lot of the attention was on me, but I was supported by all the people in this room,” said Mills who at times had to fight off some personal emotions.
Among those with her throughout the course of the short 30-day election were Essex town councillor Kim Verbeek, former MPP Taras Natyshak and former MP Tracey Ramsey.
Natyshak was the MPP for 11 years before stepping down.
“Elections are emotional,” said Natyshak. “I held the seat for too long. I want to be able to pass the torch and I am very proud of this woman,” he noted of Mills.
There were 108,089 registered voters in the Essex riding this go around and 51 per cent turned out to fill out a ballot compared to 47 per cent in 2022. Three years ago, NDP candidate Ron LeClair had 13,793 votes.
Although the NDP did not win back the seat in Essex, there were a few cheers when it was announced that Marit Styles and her party would once again form the official opposition behind Doug Ford’s third straight PC majority government.
Third place result for Liberal candidate
It was a disappointing finish for former Kingsville Deputy Mayor Tamara Stomp who came in third behind Leardi and Mills. The Liberal candidate received 8,707 votes (15.69 percent) which was more than double of what candidate Manprett Brar got in 2022.
“I wish I would have gotten more numbers,” said Stomp.
With a possible federal election looming and a 2026 municipal election approaching, Stomp said she is undecided on what she will do in the future.
“I have no direct plans. I am going to sit around and think about it. I will continue to work on my boards and my non-profits.”
Stomp said the primary issues of concern in Ontario continue to be health care, affordable housing and education.
Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie did not get elected in her riding but her party did manage to pick up five more seats and re-gain official party status.
NDP’s Mills vows to continue the fight
By Fred Groves
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