Dylan Marando Launches Ontario Liberal Leadership Bid, Promising a Next-Generation Agenda for Ontario
TORONTO, ON – Today, Dylan Marando announced his entry into the Ontario Liberal leadership race, becoming the first to officially declare his candidacy and setting the tone for a campaign focused on results and restoring opportunity across the province.
“Ontario shaped my family’s story. It gave us a chance to build a life, to belong, and to contribute,” said Marando. “Now, I feel a responsibility to protect and build that kind of Ontario for the people I love, and for families across this province.”
Working alongside the Prime Minister of Canada, two Premiers of Ontario, a President of the Treasury Board, and a Minister of Housing, Dylan has helped deliver some of Canada’s most consequential public policies, including public sector accountability reforms, small business tax cuts, progressive parental leave, Canada’s National Housing Strategy, and $10-a-day child care.
“People are tired of politics that overpromises and underdelivers, and they’re tired of political spectacle trumping policy substance,” Marando said. “I’ve spent a career in the trenches of policymaking, getting the big things done, and I’m ready to bring that same focus to building a better Ontario.”
Over the last four decades, Dylan has called Pickering, Whitby, Richmond Hill, Toronto, and Ottawa home. In these communities, Dylan saw the value of Ontario’s diversity, developed a firm belief that we are stronger together, and came to appreciate the essential role of public services in the growth of our communities, especially public education and public healthcare.
“This campaign is about building something bigger than any one person,” said Marando. “It’s about bringing people together around a shared purpose. That purpose is to restore opportunity, rebuild trust, and deliver a government that works for every corner of this province, from Cornwall to Kenora, Milton to Moosonee.”
Dylan holds a Doctorate in Political Science, a Master of Public Policy, and an Honours Bachelor of Arts, each from the University of Toronto, where he also teaches at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.
Following his time in government, Dylan joined the Canadian leadership team of a global medical technology company, shaping private-sector investments that supported Ontario jobs and delivered better outcomes for Ontario patients. As a result of this work, in 2025, Dylan was named to the Top 20 Under 40 in Canadian Life Sciences.
At the heart of Marando’s vision for Ontario is the next generation. He points to his two young nephews as a constant source of inspiration.
“There is no higher calling than building an Ontario where they, and every child, can grow up with opportunity, optimism, and a real chance to succeed.”
With his early entry into the race, Marando is positioning himself as a candidate ready to listen and engage every corner of the province.
“Ontario deserves the best, and this is the moment to build it. The future starts here”.