Liberal MHAs John Hogan and John Abbott square off to become next N.L. premier

Two Johns will enter, and one John will leave as leader of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador — and the province's next premier.

In a statement Monday, the Liberal Leadership Election Special Committee announced its nomination period for candidates to run in the leadership race had closed and the two official candidates are Liberal MHAs John Hogan and John Abbott.

"I want to congratulate both candidates on successfully entering the 2025 Liberal leadership race. This is an exciting but pivotal time for the people of this wonderful province," chair Judy Morrow said.

"On behalf of the NLEC and all Liberals throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, I look forward to an engaging and enlightening campaign by both candidates."

The party will elect a new leader on May 3 during a two-day convention. The winner will be announced at Jag Soundhouse in St. John's.

Any Newfoundland and Labrador resident 14 or older who registers as a Liberal from Jan. 1, 2024 to March 31 can qualify as a registered voter and cast their vote in the election.

The race to replace outgoing Premier Andrew Furey began at his unexpected announcement on Feb. 25 that he was leaving political life and returning to his medical career after nearly five years in office.

Abbott was the first candidate to announce his intentions to run, marking his second attempt at becoming premier.

Hogan followed soon after, at an event with his fellow Liberal MHAs in attendance.

Earlier this month Liberal MP Yvonne Jones, who had announced she was not running again in the federal election, had considered running but decided to forgo entering the competition.

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