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SCOOP — Could Eric Lombardi be the X-factor in the race for Liberal leader?
Sources say the housing activist behind More Neighbours Toronto is “seriously considering” a run to replace Bonnie Crombie — and leaning toward it — with an announcement expected later this month.
When asked, Lombardi wouldn’t say much. “Ontarians are clearly looking for change — generational change, change in how politics is practiced, and change in what we expect from our institutions,” he said in a statement. “For too long, our politics has accepted underperformance, rationed opportunity, and managed decline rather than fixing problems head-on for the long term. There is a growing sense that we should expect more — from our institutions, our economy, and the people entrusted to lead them.”
SCOOP — Could Eric Lombardi be the X-factor in the race for Liberal leader?
Sources say the housing activist behind More Neighbours Toronto is “seriously considering” a run to replace Bonnie Crombie — and leaning toward it — with an announcement expected later this month.
When asked, Lombardi wouldn’t say much. “Ontarians are clearly looking for change — generational change, change in how politics is practiced, and change in what we expect from our institutions,” he said in a statement. “For too long, our politics has accepted underperformance, rationed opportunity, and managed decline rather than fixing problems head-on for the long term. There is a growing sense that we should expect more — from our institutions, our economy, and the people entrusted to lead them.”
SCOOP — Could Eric Lombardi be the X-factor in the race for Liberal leader?
Sources say the housing activist behind More Neighbours Toronto is “seriously considering” a run to replace Bonnie Crombie — and leaning toward it — with an announcement expected later this month.
When asked, Lombardi wouldn’t say much. “Ontarians are clearly looking for change — generational change, change in how politics is practiced, and change in what we expect from our institutions,” he said in a statement. “For too long, our politics has accepted underperformance, rationed opportunity, and managed decline rather than fixing problems head-on for the long term. There is a growing sense that we should expect more — from our institutions, our economy, and the people entrusted to lead them.”
He added: “Right now, I’m focused on contributing to that conversation through my leadership work at More Neighbours Toronto and Build Toronto, as well as through my writing as a contributor to The Hub and occasionally The Toronto Star. I’m always considering what more I can do to help restore the promise of Ontario — for my generation and the next.”
Behind the scenes: While he’d enter the contest without deep footing inside the Liberal tent, Lombardi has spent recent days canvassing organizers for support and is already building out a campaign team. Those around him say he isn’t worried about his lack of political experience or ability to fundraise, privately signaling he can raise the money to enter the race and compete.
Money aside: While he’s got numbers on X, he’s not widely known in Liberal land. Once a Young Liberal, Lombardi hasn’t been active in the party since. He sat on Crombie's housing panel, later calling her plan “among the boldest I’ve seen proposed… in years.”
If that’s a hint at the kind of race he’d run: Expect him to lean heavily into policy, hoping substance can cut through where party pedigree can’t.
“He’ll force others, who might otherwise rely on platitudes, to be more substantive,” one source said. “Even if he doesn’t win, he could change the narrative of the race — and that would be a service to the party.”
Another organizer said Lombardi would bring a younger voice to the race — but cautioned he’d face “an uphill battle to be taken seriously” and needed “to work on his ‘politics’ quite a bit more.”
“What the hell else do we have to lose?” a third senior Liberal asked. “My honest opinion? Come one, come all…. We’re already into this leadership race — and it’s clear they aren’t prepared for it — so why not kick the tires?”
A message from Next Campaign:
While Lombardi is respected in Conservative circles, Tories aren’t worried. “He’ll soon find out real-life governing and leadership are a lot harder than they look,” one source texted. “It isn’t as simple as providing commentary or writing an op-ed.”
Added the source: “I didn’t know he was a Liberal until you just told me. So many people think they’re above partisanship, and treat politics like it’s a bad thing… This is first and foremost about grassroots organization, fundraising and motivating your partisan base. If you think you’re better than partisan politics, you’re doomed to fail.”
Keep in mind: The party still hasn’t decided on when they’ll pick their next leader. Executive council is expected to meet Sunday to hammer out the race’s rules.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Is Eric Lombardi your guy? Do you agree there’s “no rush” in picking a leader? Hit me up and I’ll keep you anonymous, just like those sources you’re curious about.
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SCOOP — Could Eric Lombardi be the X-factor in the race for Liberal leader?
Sources say the housing activist behind More Neighbours Toronto is “seriously considering” a run to replace Bonnie Crombie — and leaning toward it — with an announcement expected later this month.
When asked, Lombardi wouldn’t say much. “Ontarians are clearly looking for change — generational change, change in how politics is practiced, and change in what we expect from our institutions,” he said in a statement. “For too long, our politics has accepted underperformance, rationed opportunity, and managed decline rather than fixing problems head-on for the long term. There is a growing sense that we should expect more — from our institutions, our economy, and the people entrusted to lead them.”
He added: “Right now, I’m focused on contributing to that conversation through my leadership work at More Neighbours Toronto and Build Toronto, as well as through my writing as a contributor to The Hub and occasionally The Toronto Star. I’m always considering what more I can do to help restore the promise of Ontario — for my generation and the next.”
Behind the scenes: While he’d enter the contest without deep footing inside the Liberal tent, Lombardi has spent recent days canvassing organizers for support and is already building out a campaign team. Those around him say he isn’t worried about his lack of political experience or ability to fundraise, privately signaling he can raise the money to enter the race and compete.
Money aside: While he’s got numbers on X, he’s not widely known in Liberal land. Once a Young Liberal, Lombardi hasn’t been active in the party since. He sat on Crombie's housing panel, later calling her plan “among the boldest I’ve seen proposed… in years.”
If that’s a hint at the kind of race he’d run: Expect him to lean heavily into policy, hoping substance can cut through where party pedigree can’t.
“He’ll force others, who might otherwise rely on platitudes, to be more substantive,” one source said. “Even if he doesn’t win, he could change the narrative of the race — and that would be a service to the party.”
Another organizer said Lombardi would bring a younger voice to the race — but cautioned he’d face “an uphill battle to be taken seriously” and needed “to work on his ‘politics’ quite a bit more.”
“What the hell else do we have to lose?” a third senior Liberal asked. “My honest opinion? Come one, come all…. We’re already into this leadership race — and it’s clear they aren’t prepared for it — so why not kick the tires?”
A message from Next Campaign:
While Lombardi is respected in Conservative circles, Tories aren’t worried. “He’ll soon find out real-life governing and leadership are a lot harder than they look,” one source texted. “It isn’t as simple as providing commentary or writing an op-ed.”
Added the source: “I didn’t know he was a Liberal until you just told me. So many people think they’re above partisanship, and treat politics like it’s a bad thing… This is first and foremost about grassroots organization, fundraising and motivating your partisan base. If you think you’re better than partisan politics, you’re doomed to fail.”
Keep in mind: The party still hasn’t decided on when they’ll pick their next leader. Executive council is expected to meet Sunday to hammer out the race’s rules.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Is Eric Lombardi your guy? Do you agree there’s “no rush” in picking a leader? Hit me up and I’ll keep you anonymous, just like those sources you’re curious about.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
SCOOP — Could Eric Lombardi be the X-factor in the race for Liberal leader?
Sources say the housing activist behind More Neighbours Toronto is “seriously considering” a run to replace Bonnie Crombie — and leaning toward it — with an announcement expected later this month.
When asked, Lombardi wouldn’t say much. “Ontarians are clearly looking for change — generational change, change in how politics is practiced, and change in what we expect from our institutions,” he said in a statement. “For too long, our politics has accepted underperformance, rationed opportunity, and managed decline rather than fixing problems head-on for the long term. There is a growing sense that we should expect more — from our institutions, our economy, and the people entrusted to lead them.”
He added: “Right now, I’m focused on contributing to that conversation through my leadership work at More Neighbours Toronto and Build Toronto, as well as through my writing as a contributor to The Hub and occasionally The Toronto Star. I’m always considering what more I can do to help restore the promise of Ontario — for my generation and the next.”
Behind the scenes: While he’d enter the contest without deep footing inside the Liberal tent, Lombardi has spent recent days canvassing organizers for support and is already building out a campaign team. Those around him say he isn’t worried about his lack of political experience or ability to fundraise, privately signaling he can raise the money to enter the race and compete.
Money aside: While he’s got numbers on X, he’s not widely known in Liberal land. Once a Young Liberal, Lombardi hasn’t been active in the party since. He sat on Crombie's housing panel, later calling her plan “among the boldest I’ve seen proposed… in years.”
If that’s a hint at the kind of race he’d run: Expect him to lean heavily into policy, hoping substance can cut through where party pedigree can’t.
“He’ll force others, who might otherwise rely on platitudes, to be more substantive,” one source said. “Even if he doesn’t win, he could change the narrative of the race — and that would be a service to the party.”
Another organizer said Lombardi would bring a younger voice to the race — but cautioned he’d face “an uphill battle to be taken seriously” and needed “to work on his ‘politics’ quite a bit more.”
“What the hell else do we have to lose?” a third senior Liberal asked. “My honest opinion? Come one, come all…. We’re already into this leadership race — and it’s clear they aren’t prepared for it — so why not kick the tires?”
A message from Next Campaign:
While Lombardi is respected in Conservative circles, Tories aren’t worried. “He’ll soon find out real-life governing and leadership are a lot harder than they look,” one source texted. “It isn’t as simple as providing commentary or writing an op-ed.”
Added the source: “I didn’t know he was a Liberal until you just told me. So many people think they’re above partisanship, and treat politics like it’s a bad thing… This is first and foremost about grassroots organization, fundraising and motivating your partisan base. If you think you’re better than partisan politics, you’re doomed to fail.”
Keep in mind: The party still hasn’t decided on when they’ll pick their next leader. Executive council is expected to meet Sunday to hammer out the race’s rules.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Is Eric Lombardi your guy? Do you agree there’s “no rush” in picking a leader? Hit me up and I’ll keep you anonymous, just like those sources you’re curious about.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
SCOOP — Could Eric Lombardi be the X-factor in the race for Liberal leader?
Sources say the housing activist behind More Neighbours Toronto is “seriously considering” a run to replace Bonnie Crombie — and leaning toward it — with an announcement expected later this month.
When asked, Lombardi wouldn’t say much. “Ontarians are clearly looking for change — generational change, change in how politics is practiced, and change in what we expect from our institutions,” he said in a statement. “For too long, our politics has accepted underperformance, rationed opportunity, and managed decline rather than fixing problems head-on for the long term. There is a growing sense that we should expect more — from our institutions, our economy, and the people entrusted to lead them.”
He added: “Right now, I’m focused on contributing to that conversation through my leadership work at More Neighbours Toronto and Build Toronto, as well as through my writing as a contributor to The Hub and occasionally The Toronto Star. I’m always considering what more I can do to help restore the promise of Ontario — for my generation and the next.”
Behind the scenes: While he’d enter the contest without deep footing inside the Liberal tent, Lombardi has spent recent days canvassing organizers for support and is already building out a campaign team. Those around him say he isn’t worried about his lack of political experience or ability to fundraise, privately signaling he can raise the money to enter the race and compete.
Money aside: While he’s got numbers on X, he’s not widely known in Liberal land. Once a Young Liberal, Lombardi hasn’t been active in the party since. He sat on Crombie's housing panel, later calling her plan “among the boldest I’ve seen proposed… in years.”
If that’s a hint at the kind of race he’d run: Expect him to lean heavily into policy, hoping substance can cut through where party pedigree can’t.
“He’ll force others, who might otherwise rely on platitudes, to be more substantive,” one source said. “Even if he doesn’t win, he could change the narrative of the race — and that would be a service to the party.”
Another organizer said Lombardi would bring a younger voice to the race — but cautioned he’d face “an uphill battle to be taken seriously” and needed “to work on his ‘politics’ quite a bit more.”
“What the hell else do we have to lose?” a third senior Liberal asked. “My honest opinion? Come one, come all…. We’re already into this leadership race — and it’s clear they aren’t prepared for it — so why not kick the tires?”
A message from Next Campaign:
While Lombardi is respected in Conservative circles, Tories aren’t worried. “He’ll soon find out real-life governing and leadership are a lot harder than they look,” one source texted. “It isn’t as simple as providing commentary or writing an op-ed.”
Added the source: “I didn’t know he was a Liberal until you just told me. So many people think they’re above partisanship, and treat politics like it’s a bad thing… This is first and foremost about grassroots organization, fundraising and motivating your partisan base. If you think you’re better than partisan politics, you’re doomed to fail.”
Keep in mind: The party still hasn’t decided on when they’ll pick their next leader. Executive council is expected to meet Sunday to hammer out the race’s rules.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Is Eric Lombardi your guy? Do you agree there’s “no rush” in picking a leader? Hit me up and I’ll keep you anonymous, just like those sources you’re curious about.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
SCOOP — Could Eric Lombardi be the X-factor in the race for Liberal leader?
Sources say the housing activist behind More Neighbours Toronto is “seriously considering” a run to replace Bonnie Crombie — and leaning toward it — with an announcement expected later this month.
When asked, Lombardi wouldn’t say much. “Ontarians are clearly looking for change — generational change, change in how politics is practiced, and change in what we expect from our institutions,” he said in a statement. “For too long, our politics has accepted underperformance, rationed opportunity, and managed decline rather than fixing problems head-on for the long term. There is a growing sense that we should expect more — from our institutions, our economy, and the people entrusted to lead them.”
He added: “Right now, I’m focused on contributing to that conversation through my leadership work at More Neighbours Toronto and Build Toronto, as well as through my writing as a contributor to The Hub and occasionally The Toronto Star. I’m always considering what more I can do to help restore the promise of Ontario — for my generation and the next.”
Behind the scenes: While he’d enter the contest without deep footing inside the Liberal tent, Lombardi has spent recent days canvassing organizers for support and is already building out a campaign team. Those around him say he isn’t worried about his lack of political experience or ability to fundraise, privately signaling he can raise the money to enter the race and compete.
Money aside: While he’s got numbers on X, he’s not widely known in Liberal land. Once a Young Liberal, Lombardi hasn’t been active in the party since. He sat on Crombie's housing panel, later calling her plan “among the boldest I’ve seen proposed… in years.”
If that’s a hint at the kind of race he’d run: Expect him to lean heavily into policy, hoping substance can cut through where party pedigree can’t.
“He’ll force others, who might otherwise rely on platitudes, to be more substantive,” one source said. “Even if he doesn’t win, he could change the narrative of the race — and that would be a service to the party.”
Another organizer said Lombardi would bring a younger voice to the race — but cautioned he’d face “an uphill battle to be taken seriously” and needed “to work on his ‘politics’ quite a bit more.”
“What the hell else do we have to lose?” a third senior Liberal asked. “My honest opinion? Come one, come all…. We’re already into this leadership race — and it’s clear they aren’t prepared for it — so why not kick the tires?”
A message from Next Campaign:
While Lombardi is respected in Conservative circles, Tories aren’t worried. “He’ll soon find out real-life governing and leadership are a lot harder than they look,” one source texted. “It isn’t as simple as providing commentary or writing an op-ed.”
Added the source: “I didn’t know he was a Liberal until you just told me. So many people think they’re above partisanship, and treat politics like it’s a bad thing… This is first and foremost about grassroots organization, fundraising and motivating your partisan base. If you think you’re better than partisan politics, you’re doomed to fail.”
Keep in mind: The party still hasn’t decided on when they’ll pick their next leader. Executive council is expected to meet Sunday to hammer out the race’s rules.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Is Eric Lombardi your guy? Do you agree there’s “no rush” in picking a leader? Hit me up and I’ll keep you anonymous, just like those sources you’re curious about.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
SCOOP — Could Eric Lombardi be the X-factor in the race for Liberal leader?
Sources say the housing activist behind More Neighbours Toronto is “seriously considering” a run to replace Bonnie Crombie — and leaning toward it — with an announcement expected later this month.
When asked, Lombardi wouldn’t say much. “Ontarians are clearly looking for change — generational change, change in how politics is practiced, and change in what we expect from our institutions,” he said in a statement. “For too long, our politics has accepted underperformance, rationed opportunity, and managed decline rather than fixing problems head-on for the long term. There is a growing sense that we should expect more — from our institutions, our economy, and the people entrusted to lead them.”
He added: “Right now, I’m focused on contributing to that conversation through my leadership work at More Neighbours Toronto and Build Toronto, as well as through my writing as a contributor to The Hub and occasionally The Toronto Star. I’m always considering what more I can do to help restore the promise of Ontario — for my generation and the next.”
Behind the scenes: While he’d enter the contest without deep footing inside the Liberal tent, Lombardi has spent recent days canvassing organizers for support and is already building out a campaign team. Those around him say he isn’t worried about his lack of political experience or ability to fundraise, privately signaling he can raise the money to enter the race and compete.
Money aside: While he’s got numbers on X, he’s not widely known in Liberal land. Once a Young Liberal, Lombardi hasn’t been active in the party since. He sat on Crombie's housing panel, later calling her plan “among the boldest I’ve seen proposed… in years.”
If that’s a hint at the kind of race he’d run: Expect him to lean heavily into policy, hoping substance can cut through where party pedigree can’t.
“He’ll force others, who might otherwise rely on platitudes, to be more substantive,” one source said. “Even if he doesn’t win, he could change the narrative of the race — and that would be a service to the party.”
Another organizer said Lombardi would bring a younger voice to the race — but cautioned he’d face “an uphill battle to be taken seriously” and needed “to work on his ‘politics’ quite a bit more.”
“What the hell else do we have to lose?” a third senior Liberal asked. “My honest opinion? Come one, come all…. We’re already into this leadership race — and it’s clear they aren’t prepared for it — so why not kick the tires?”
A message from Next Campaign:
While Lombardi is respected in Conservative circles, Tories aren’t worried. “He’ll soon find out real-life governing and leadership are a lot harder than they look,” one source texted. “It isn’t as simple as providing commentary or writing an op-ed.”
Added the source: “I didn’t know he was a Liberal until you just told me. So many people think they’re above partisanship, and treat politics like it’s a bad thing… This is first and foremost about grassroots organization, fundraising and motivating your partisan base. If you think you’re better than partisan politics, you’re doomed to fail.”
Keep in mind: The party still hasn’t decided on when they’ll pick their next leader. Executive council is expected to meet Sunday to hammer out the race’s rules.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Is Eric Lombardi your guy? Do you agree there’s “no rush” in picking a leader? Hit me up and I’ll keep you anonymous, just like those sources you’re curious about.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
SCOOP — Could Eric Lombardi be the X-factor in the race for Liberal leader?
Sources say the housing activist behind More Neighbours Toronto is “seriously considering” a run to replace Bonnie Crombie — and leaning toward it — with an announcement expected later this month.
When asked, Lombardi wouldn’t say much. “Ontarians are clearly looking for change — generational change, change in how politics is practiced, and change in what we expect from our institutions,” he said in a statement. “For too long, our politics has accepted underperformance, rationed opportunity, and managed decline rather than fixing problems head-on for the long term. There is a growing sense that we should expect more — from our institutions, our economy, and the people entrusted to lead them.”
He added: “Right now, I’m focused on contributing to that conversation through my leadership work at More Neighbours Toronto and Build Toronto, as well as through my writing as a contributor to The Hub and occasionally The Toronto Star. I’m always considering what more I can do to help restore the promise of Ontario — for my generation and the next.”
Behind the scenes: While he’d enter the contest without deep footing inside the Liberal tent, Lombardi has spent recent days canvassing organizers for support and is already building out a campaign team. Those around him say he isn’t worried about his lack of political experience or ability to fundraise, privately signaling he can raise the money to enter the race and compete.
Money aside: While he’s got numbers on X, he’s not widely known in Liberal land. Once a Young Liberal, Lombardi hasn’t been active in the party since. He sat on Crombie's housing panel, later calling her plan “among the boldest I’ve seen proposed… in years.”
If that’s a hint at the kind of race he’d run: Expect him to lean heavily into policy, hoping substance can cut through where party pedigree can’t.
“He’ll force others, who might otherwise rely on platitudes, to be more substantive,” one source said. “Even if he doesn’t win, he could change the narrative of the race — and that would be a service to the party.”
Another organizer said Lombardi would bring a younger voice to the race — but cautioned he’d face “an uphill battle to be taken seriously” and needed “to work on his ‘politics’ quite a bit more.”
“What the hell else do we have to lose?” a third senior Liberal asked. “My honest opinion? Come one, come all…. We’re already into this leadership race — and it’s clear they aren’t prepared for it — so why not kick the tires?”
A message from Next Campaign:
While Lombardi is respected in Conservative circles, Tories aren’t worried. “He’ll soon find out real-life governing and leadership are a lot harder than they look,” one source texted. “It isn’t as simple as providing commentary or writing an op-ed.”
Added the source: “I didn’t know he was a Liberal until you just told me. So many people think they’re above partisanship, and treat politics like it’s a bad thing… This is first and foremost about grassroots organization, fundraising and motivating your partisan base. If you think you’re better than partisan politics, you’re doomed to fail.”
Keep in mind: The party still hasn’t decided on when they’ll pick their next leader. Executive council is expected to meet Sunday to hammer out the race’s rules.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Is Eric Lombardi your guy? Do you agree there’s “no rush” in picking a leader? Hit me up and I’ll keep you anonymous, just like those sources you’re curious about.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
SCOOP — Could Eric Lombardi be the X-factor in the race for Liberal leader?
Sources say the housing activist behind More Neighbours Toronto is “seriously considering” a run to replace Bonnie Crombie — and leaning toward it — with an announcement expected later this month.
When asked, Lombardi wouldn’t say much. “Ontarians are clearly looking for change — generational change, change in how politics is practiced, and change in what we expect from our institutions,” he said in a statement. “For too long, our politics has accepted underperformance, rationed opportunity, and managed decline rather than fixing problems head-on for the long term. There is a growing sense that we should expect more — from our institutions, our economy, and the people entrusted to lead them.”
He added: “Right now, I’m focused on contributing to that conversation through my leadership work at More Neighbours Toronto and Build Toronto, as well as through my writing as a contributor to The Hub and occasionally The Toronto Star. I’m always considering what more I can do to help restore the promise of Ontario — for my generation and the next.”
Behind the scenes: While he’d enter the contest without deep footing inside the Liberal tent, Lombardi has spent recent days canvassing organizers for support and is already building out a campaign team. Those around him say he isn’t worried about his lack of political experience or ability to fundraise, privately signaling he can raise the money to enter the race and compete.
Money aside: While he’s got numbers on X, he’s not widely known in Liberal land. Once a Young Liberal, Lombardi hasn’t been active in the party since. He sat on Crombie's housing panel, later calling her plan “among the boldest I’ve seen proposed… in years.”
If that’s a hint at the kind of race he’d run: Expect him to lean heavily into policy, hoping substance can cut through where party pedigree can’t.
“He’ll force others, who might otherwise rely on platitudes, to be more substantive,” one source said. “Even if he doesn’t win, he could change the narrative of the race — and that would be a service to the party.”
Another organizer said Lombardi would bring a younger voice to the race — but cautioned he’d face “an uphill battle to be taken seriously” and needed “to work on his ‘politics’ quite a bit more.”
“What the hell else do we have to lose?” a third senior Liberal asked. “My honest opinion? Come one, come all…. We’re already into this leadership race — and it’s clear they aren’t prepared for it — so why not kick the tires?”
A message from Next Campaign:
While Lombardi is respected in Conservative circles, Tories aren’t worried. “He’ll soon find out real-life governing and leadership are a lot harder than they look,” one source texted. “It isn’t as simple as providing commentary or writing an op-ed.”
Added the source: “I didn’t know he was a Liberal until you just told me. So many people think they’re above partisanship, and treat politics like it’s a bad thing… This is first and foremost about grassroots organization, fundraising and motivating your partisan base. If you think you’re better than partisan politics, you’re doomed to fail.”
Keep in mind: The party still hasn’t decided on when they’ll pick their next leader. Executive council is expected to meet Sunday to hammer out the race’s rules.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Is Eric Lombardi your guy? Do you agree there’s “no rush” in picking a leader? Hit me up and I’ll keep you anonymous, just like those sources you’re curious about.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.
SCOOP — Could Eric Lombardi be the X-factor in the race for Liberal leader?
Sources say the housing activist behind More Neighbours Toronto is “seriously considering” a run to replace Bonnie Crombie — and leaning toward it — with an announcement expected later this month.
When asked, Lombardi wouldn’t say much. “Ontarians are clearly looking for change — generational change, change in how politics is practiced, and change in what we expect from our institutions,” he said in a statement. “For too long, our politics has accepted underperformance, rationed opportunity, and managed decline rather than fixing problems head-on for the long term. There is a growing sense that we should expect more — from our institutions, our economy, and the people entrusted to lead them.”
He added: “Right now, I’m focused on contributing to that conversation through my leadership work at More Neighbours Toronto and Build Toronto, as well as through my writing as a contributor to The Hub and occasionally The Toronto Star. I’m always considering what more I can do to help restore the promise of Ontario — for my generation and the next.”
Behind the scenes: While he’d enter the contest without deep footing inside the Liberal tent, Lombardi has spent recent days canvassing organizers for support and is already building out a campaign team. Those around him say he isn’t worried about his lack of political experience or ability to fundraise, privately signaling he can raise the money to enter the race and compete.
Money aside: While he’s got numbers on X, he’s not widely known in Liberal land. Once a Young Liberal, Lombardi hasn’t been active in the party since. He sat on Crombie's housing panel, later calling her plan “among the boldest I’ve seen proposed… in years.”
If that’s a hint at the kind of race he’d run: Expect him to lean heavily into policy, hoping substance can cut through where party pedigree can’t.
“He’ll force others, who might otherwise rely on platitudes, to be more substantive,” one source said. “Even if he doesn’t win, he could change the narrative of the race — and that would be a service to the party.”
Another organizer said Lombardi would bring a younger voice to the race — but cautioned he’d face “an uphill battle to be taken seriously” and needed “to work on his ‘politics’ quite a bit more.”
“What the hell else do we have to lose?” a third senior Liberal asked. “My honest opinion? Come one, come all…. We’re already into this leadership race — and it’s clear they aren’t prepared for it — so why not kick the tires?”
A message from Next Campaign:
While Lombardi is respected in Conservative circles, Tories aren’t worried. “He’ll soon find out real-life governing and leadership are a lot harder than they look,” one source texted. “It isn’t as simple as providing commentary or writing an op-ed.”
Added the source: “I didn’t know he was a Liberal until you just told me. So many people think they’re above partisanship, and treat politics like it’s a bad thing… This is first and foremost about grassroots organization, fundraising and motivating your partisan base. If you think you’re better than partisan politics, you’re doomed to fail.”
Keep in mind: The party still hasn’t decided on when they’ll pick their next leader. Executive council is expected to meet Sunday to hammer out the race’s rules.
Thank you for reading POLICORNER. Is Eric Lombardi your guy? Do you agree there’s “no rush” in picking a leader? Hit me up and I’ll keep you anonymous, just like those sources you’re curious about.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now.