Summary: Conservative MP Jeff Watson looks to be re-elected in Essex, a swing riding that both the Liberals and NDP have their eyes on this election.
Boundaries: The riding comprises all of Essex county excluding Tecumseh and Leamington. The Windsor suburb community of LaSalle is the largest population centre, with just under 30,000 people.
Last Election: Watson defeated NDP candidate Taras Natyshak (who went on to win the provincial riding of Essex later that year) by 12.9 per cent.
History: Essex has been close on election night over the years, with the Conservatives, Progressive Conservatives, NDP and Liberals all having held the seat for multiple terms since it was created prior to the 1968 election. Holding it the longest was Liberal Eugene Whelan, who served as an MP in Essex from 1962 to 1984.
Demographics: The median income here is $35,567, 19th highest in the province and significantly higher than the surrounding districts in southwestern Ontario.
Candidates
Conservative: Jeff Watson, MP since 2004
NDP: Tracey Ramsey, assembler at Ford’s Essex Engine Plant and local union leader
Liberal: Audrey Festeryga, lawyer from Leamington
Green: Jennifer Alderson
Marxist-Leninist: Enver Villamizar
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