Sherbrooke mayor won't seek re-election, says municipal politicians need more support

Évelyne Beaudin says she will not seek a second term as the mayor of Sherbrooke after the next municipal elections.

The 35-year-old announced Friday that she cannot picture herself in her job for another four years, highlighting the toll of municipal politics.

"Being an elected official in 2024 isn't appealing. There is a lot of division, dissatisfaction, aggression," said Beaudin.

"The municipality is at the forefront of all social issues. Despite this, the government doesn't listen. We're left to fend for ourselves."

In February, Beaudin returned from four months leave she took on the advice of her doctor.

Beaudin says she is proud of her work to date and will complete her term until the next elections set for November 2025.

Effective immediately, councillor Geneviève Laroche takes over as interim leader of the Sherbrooke Citoyen party ahead of a leadership race.

Wave of resignations in municipal politics

In 2021, Beaudin became the first female mayor in Sherbrooke's 169-year history, part of a youth wave that swept the city halls of five of Quebec's biggest municipalities.

On Friday, she said she hopes her announcement helps people reflect on trends in municipal politics and "pushes for a large and concerted action for better support for local leaders." 

She said a growing number of municipal officials across the province are quitting politics. 

Last November, one of Quebec's youngest mayors, Isabelle Lessard of Chapais, Que. resigned mid-mandate because of burnout. 

Gatineau mayor, France Bélisle stepped down in February, citing a hostile political climate. 

That same month, Quebec announced a helpline for politicians following the wave of resignations at the municipal level after almost 10 per cent of officials quit since the 2021 municipal elections.