Racinsky appointed Wellington-Halton Hills PC candidate

WELLINGTON-HALTON HILLS – With Premier Doug Ford calling a snap election on Feb. 27, the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party has appointed Joseph Racinsky as the PC candidate for Wellington-Halton Hills.

An election for the local candidate was to be held on Feb. 15, riding president Glenna Smith said in a Jan. 27 email.

“Because that would mean the nomination would happen halfway through the writ period, then the party appointed Joseph Racinsky as the candidate for the PC Wellington-Halton Hills riding,” she said.

Three candidates – Kyle Coffey, Ross McKenzie and Racinsky – had been vetted and approved to run by the party’s provincial nomination committee more than a week ago.

The local party membership was to cast their vote for the local candidate on Feb. 15 after each made their pitches to the local membership.

Smith said the candidates did not get to address the nomination committee.

Wellington-Halton Hills has been the stronghold of Ted Arnott, who has held the seat since he was first elected in 1990. He is currently Speaker of the House.

Arnott announced last fall that he would not be running in the next provincial election. Racinsky is a town councillor in Halton Hills.

He was first elected in 2022 at age 20, making him the youngest person to be elected to council in Halton Hills. Before that he served as a constituency assistant to an MPP and managed the Ontario PC Party summer internship program.

“After our longtime MPP Ted Arnott announced his intention to retire, many community members encouraged me to seek the Ontario PC Party nomination for Wellington-Halton Hills,” Racinsky stated in his promotional material.

“It is with a deep sense of commitment and appreciation that I answer their call.”

Racinsky stated his priorities include growing the economy, building infrastructure, keeping taxes low and putting more money into people’s pockets.

Coffey said he’s disappointed that things took this turn, but understands the pressure the party is under.

“While this wasn’t the outcome I had expected, I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported me during this process,” he stated in an email.

“To anyone considering getting involved, don’t let this discourage you.

“This journey has been one of the most rewarding and educational experiences of my life, and I’m optimistic about what the future holds.”

The Advertiser was unable to reach McKenzie before press time.