Hogan beat out John Abbott for the NL Liberal leadership with 77.48 per cent of pointsPublished May 03, 2025 • Last updated 15 hours ago • 3 minute readLittle Jack Hogan (right) wasn’t exactly excited for his dad, but daughter Maggie and wife Gill Stokes were all smiles as John Hogan was announced the new Liberal party leader and premier-designate after the results were announced Saturday afternoon. Photo by Keith Gosse/The TelegramLiberal party members and supporters have spoken: John Hogan replaces Andrew Furey as the new leader of the party.Hogan secured the first-place win over challenger John Abbott with 77.48 per cent of the vote, becoming the Premier-designate of Newfoundland and Labrador.After he was declared the winner, Hogan said he was overwhelmed and grateful for the opportunity to lead. However, he said, it was never his plan to become the party’s leader when he started in politics in 2021, but life is funny and sometimes gives you opportunities that you have to jump at.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“To be here today with all these Liberal friends, after a victory for the Liberal Party in Canada and the Liberal Prime Minister, focusing on an election here in our province over the next little while, I couldn’t be happier where we are as a party and where we are as a province,” said Hogan.Although he declared the Liberal Party of NL would win in the next provincial election, he came short of calling one.Hogan said the next steps for him are meeting with the transition team, passing the 2025 budget and figuring out the timing of the provincial election.“You never know — the budget could decide an election as well,” said Hogan. “But there’s not a lot of flexibility. We’re only months away from a fixed date. So we’re certainly looking at an election sooner rather than later.” Newly elected Liberal party leader and premier designate speaks to party members after results of the vote for a new leader were announced Saturday afternoon. Photo by Keith Gosse/The TelegramWhen it comes to when he will be sworn in as the province’s 15th premier, Hogan hopes it will happen before the House of Assembly opens again on May 12. As part of the conversations with the transition team, he added, they’ll also decide when he’ll pick his cabinet.Article contentRead More NL LIBERAL LEADERSHIP: Live coverage of leadership convention to choose NL’s next premier Liberal Leadership Race: Hogan wants Newfoundlanders to know he’ll have their back Priorities as premierAs premier, Hogan said one of his biggest priorities moving forward will centre around health care. While data suggests Health Accord NL is moving in the right direction, he knows some are still struggling with access and ambulance response times, and doesn’t plan to take his foot off the gas.“It’s a 10-year plan. We’re only two years in, we have a ways to go. We’re a little bit ahead of schedule, but we need to continue to work on that,” said Hogan.His second priority is getting the new Churchill Falls deal over the line. Hogan said it can transform the entire spirit of the province, and the opportunity will open doors for current and future generations.“This is a multi-generational opportunity. Newfoundlanders, Labradorians have a history of leaving this province and looking for greener economic pastures in other parts of the country and other parts of the world,” said Hogan. “And if we continue to do the things that we can do with these opportunities, that won’t have to happen anymore.”Article contentThe new leader of the Liberal Party of NL, and premier, is John Hogan. Following the announcement of his victory, many of his supporters were excited to see him take the stage. pic.twitter.com/IkyW7ydpxJ— C (@cameronkilfoy) May 3, 2025The priorities shared by Hogan are aligned with the ones he shared with The Telegram during his campaign.He also promised to prepare the workforce and communities, especially in Labrador, for new economic opportunities arising from the MOU. He promised to advocate for expanding NL’s presence nationally and internationally and to create new economic partnerships in light of tariff threats.“We are on the right path forward, and we all know there’s still work to be done, challenges to overcome, but I’m ready,” said Hogan. “Our team is ready, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are ready. Let’s get to work. Let’s go.” Though John Abbott was personally disappointed by his loss in the race for next Liberal leader of NL, he said he was happy for the party and John Hogan. Photo by Cameron Kilfoy/The TelegramPersonally disappointed, happy for Hogan: AbbottThough John Abbott didn’t win the leadership — this marks his second loss at the title — it isn’t the end of the road for him in provincial politics. Abbott confirmed that he would be running as MHA for St. John’s East Quidi Vidi in the upcoming election.“I have no plans to do anything other now to seek the nomination and get elected,” said Abbott.Abbott said that win or lose, he would be there to support the next leader, and that’s his plan going forward.He was disappointed by the loss and thought he would do better, but ultimately is happy for the party and Hogan.“He has a strong mandate, and that is going to be very important going into the next provincial election,” said Abbott.Hogan said that he is looking forward to seeing Abbott run and win in the district again and confirmed that Abbott would be in his cabinet.Article content
John Hogan named leader of NL Liberals and Premier-designate
