Chris Lewis has been re-elected to the riding of Essex County, marking his second term as representative to the riding.
Lewis did not speak with the media after winning his second term as Member of Parliament, citing "unforeseen circumstances of a personal nature," but did release a statement.
"This was a hard-fought campaign," he wrote. "There many, many important issues to address. People want leadership and action. I worked hard to stay above the fray; to provide a clear message of hope and a plan for Essex to thrive. I also tried to model a different way to do politics, free of personal attacks and to take my message to the people directly."
Lewis also paid tribute to his rivals.
"I also want to commend the candidates from the other parties for putting their name forward," continued his statement. "It is not an easy thing to do. I know the long hours and the sacrifice it takes."
He said his priorities would be to secure the economic future of the riding and end divisive politics.
After midnight and with 87.06 per cent of the paper ballots counted, Lewis had 41.1 per cent of the vote. NDP candidate Tracey Ramsey had 31.6 per cent, and Liberal Audrey Festeryga, 15.5 per cent. Another ten per cent of the ballots were cast in favour of the People's Party of Canada candidate, Beth Charron-Rowberry.
Elections Canada has said it will start counting mail-in ballots Tuesday morning, but there is no word how many votes were mailed in Essex.
The riding encompasses LaSalle, Amherstburg, Essex, Kingsville, and a portion of Lakeshore. There are 105,281 registered voters, and as of Monday night, 58.47 per cent had voted.
