With the federal election announcement expected any day now, local candidates across southwestern Ontario are shifting into high gear—setting up offices, rallying volunteers, and sharpening their pitches to voters.

In Elgin-St. Thomas-London South, David Goodwin, a first-time Liberal candidate, opened his campaign office this weekend. The room buzzed with supporters and volunteers as Goodwin—energized and visibly moved—got ready for his first full day of door knocking.

“Tomorrow is probably the worst-kept secret in Canada,” he said with a smile, referring to Sunday’s anticipated writ drop. “But we’re ready to go.”

Goodwin is betting on the momentum behind new Liberal leader Mark Carney.

“He’s rejuvenated the party. I think people are connecting with that,” Goodwin added. “It comes down to security—security as a nation, for our resources, farmers, jobs, and especially for the middle class. That’s what I’m passionate about.”

He’ll be facing off against Andrew Lawton, a first-time Conservative candidate. Lawton launched his campaign office on Saturday, joined by prominent Conservative figures including incumbents Lianne Rood (Lambton–Kent–Middlesex), Arpan Khanna (Oxford), and Stephen Gallant (London Centre).

Khanna was upbeat about the campaign’s energy.
“We finally have a real choice to move Canada forward,” he said. “Pierre Poilievre’s Canada First plan is resonating. People are ready for strong leadership, and we’re hearing that at the doors.”

Meanwhile, in London West, Shinade Allder, a first-time candidate for the NDP, is preparing to launch her campaign office on Sunday.

“Nervous. Excited. Everything all at once,” Allder admitted. She’s been introducing herself to voters ahead of the official campaign launch.

“I’ve done a lot of community work and leadership through Unifor, so some people know me,” she said. “But this is different. It’s about earning trust in a new role—as a political candidate.”

As candidates knock on doors and roll out their visions, one thing is clear: the campaign trail is heating up fast, and all eyes are on Sunday.