Marwah Rizqy to Leave Quebec Politics in 2026 to Focus on Family

The Parti libéral du Québec (PLQ) announced that one of its prominent members, Marwah Rizqy, will not seek re-election in the 2026 provincial elections. Rizqy, who has represented the Montreal riding of Saint-Laurent since 2018, publicly declared her decision in an emotional press conference at the National Assembly.

“I want to fully embrace my role as a mother,” said Rizqy, explaining her choice to step away from politics to be with her two young children. She emphasized that this decision was personal, describing it as final and irreversible. “I want to be in the same city as my young children and be able to tuck them in at night,” she added.

Rizqy’s announcement, initially reported by 98.5 FM and Radio-Canada, was also shared in a statement on her social media pages. In her address, Rizqy noted that her husband, Gregory Kelley, also serves as a Liberal member of the National Assembly and had offered to step back from politics so she could continue her career. However, she declined his offer, stating, “There’s always a price to pay in politics when one lives in Montreal. A price I am no longer willing to pay.”

The departure plan comes as Rizqy seeks to return to academia, where she previously held a position as an associate professor at the University of Sherbrooke‘s School of Management. She expressed a desire to resume teaching once her term concludes.

The timing of her announcement was strategic, Rizqy indicated, to ensure it would not overshadow the PLQ’s leadership race set to start in January. “Announcing today gives my party and the next leader the time to find a dedicated candidate for the people of Saint-Laurent,” she mentioned.

The political landscape’s demands have long conflicted with her family life, Rizqy admitted, particularly the routine travel from Montreal to Quebec City, which left her feeling guilty about time away from her children. “Personally, the privilege of having children did not come easy for Greg and me; it was a real battle,” she revealed.

Prominent figures have reacted to Rizqy’s decision. Interim PLQ leader Marc Tanguay commended her for prioritizing family over political obligations, recognizing the challenges of such a demanding role. “Politics is a great collective adventure, but also an engagement that often leaves little room for family,” he noted.

This announcement marks the end of two legislative terms for Rizqy, who was once viewed as a potential leader for the PLQ. Her tenure included being elected as the parliamentary woman of the year and recognized for her steadfast opposition.