ALMA, Que. – Alexandre Cloutier is the second candidate to enter the race to succeed Pierre Karl Péladeau as leader of the Parti Québécois (PQ).
READ MORE: As PKP quits politics, others jockey for Parti Québécois leadership
The former cabinet minister announced Friday morning he will seek the sovereigntist party’s top job.
Cloutier, 38, was runner-up to Péladeau in the last leadership vote in May 2015.
READ MORE: Parti Québécois will choose a leader to replace Pierre Karl Péladeau this fall
He has represented the riding of Lac-Saint-Jean since 2007.
He joins Véronique Hivon in the race, which was triggered by Péladeau’s sudden resignation earlier this month.
READ MORE: Véronique Hivon announces she will run for PQ leadership
The party is scheduled to choose a new leader between mid-September and mid-October.