Montreal elects Soraya Martinez Ferrada as mayor

Montreal has elected Soraya Martinez Ferrada as mayor. Martinez Ferrada defeated Luc Rabouin and the incumbent party, Projet Montréal.  

“Tonight, it is you who has won. Tonight, Montreal has chosen courage and ambition,” said Martinez Ferrada in her victory speech. 

She promised change after eight years of the last administration. She added voters told her they wanted to be heard. 

“We heard you about Camillien-Houde, homelessness, housing, cleanliness, mobility and security,” Martinez Ferrada said. 

Martinez Ferrada, who immigrated to Montreal from Chile at eight years old, became the first person of colour to be elected as the city’s mayor. Her election also marks a historic moment for the city’s immigrant communities.  

“I am an immigrant, I am a daughter of Bill 101, I am a daughter of Montreal, and I am home,” Martinez Ferrada said.  

For Cris Vargas, Martinez Ferrada’s connection to his home country was important. “Very proud of supporting another [person] from Chile,” said Vargas.

Reaction to victory 

The scene inside the venue was loud as hundreds of supporters erupted in celebration as Ferrada’s win was announced. Chants of “Soraya” filled the room, signs waved in the air, and applause continued long after.  

Among the crowd was Martinez Ferrada’s daughter who waited in anticipation. Tears streamed down her face as the results poured in.  

“All my emotions ran through me. It was just a lot, because I know how hard she worked for it,” Kayla Rodriguez Ferrada said.  

Supporters highlighted Martinez Ferrada’s character and leadership. Véronique Pigeon, an attendee, said she appreciates Martinez Ferrada’s ability to stand up for the well-being of the city. “She has the heart of the people in the epicentre of her decision-making process,” Pigeon said.  

Political career 

This is not the first political win for Ferrada. She was elected to the federal government in 2019 as a Liberal MP. In 2005, she was elected as a city councillor for Union Montréal in Saint-Michel. 

Looking ahead to her term in office, Martinez Ferrada pledged to lead an administration that engages directly with Montrealers. “I promise we will be an administration that listens to understand, that listens to react, and that listens to build Montreal with you,” she said. 

“Soraya is the leader that Montreal needs,” said Benoit Langevin, Ensemble Montréal candidate and incumbent city councillor for the Bois-de-Liesse district. 

Premier François Legault congratulated Ferrada on X and said, “Really looking forward to working together to strengthen Montreal's prosperity and influence.” 

In her speech, she addressed those who did not vote for her.  

“I heard you as well. I will be your mayor too, because Montreal belongs to everyone,” she said. 

According to the latest results, Martinez Ferrada secured 43% of the vote, surpassing Luc Rabouin, who received 35%, and Gilbert Thibodeau, who followed with just over 10%.