Simon Jolin-Barrette bows out of CAQ leadership race; Christine Fréchette to run

By Canadian Press on January 23, 2026.

QUÉBEC — Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette says he won’t seek the Coalition Avenir Québec leadership to replace François Legault.

Jolin-Barrette says he decided not to enter the race for family and professional reasons.

Jolin-Barrette, first elected in 2014, had received the support of several CAQ caucus members since Legault’s announcement.

Facing dismal polling, Legault said last week he would step down as party leader and premier after a successor is named at a leadership convention on April 12.

Meanwhile, Economy Minister Christine Fréchette has scheduled an event on Sunday in Trois-Rivières, Que., where she is expected to announce she is officially entering the race.

A source close to Fréchette who was not authorized to speak publicly confirmed the news to The Canadian Press.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 23, 2026.

The Canadian Press