Olivier Primeau quits CAQ race: Legault exit shakes Quebec politics

The landscape of Quebec politics has shifted dramatically in January 2026. Within days of Premier François Legault announcing his resignation, a wave of political speculation and intrigue hit Centre‑Right politics. One surprising name floated as a possible successor was Olivier Primeau — a well-known entrepreneur and social media influencer. However, Primeau has now decided not to enter the leadership race for the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ). His withdrawal reflects evolving uncertainties within the party and broader questions about leadership, experience, and direction for Quebec’s governing party ahead of a pivotal election year.

In this article, we explore who Olivier Primeau is, why his potential candidacy became news, why he ultimately opted out, what this means for the CAQ, and how Legault’s resignation itself is reshaping the entire political landscape in Quebec.

Who Is Olivier Primeau? From Entrepreneur to Political Prospect

Olivier Primeau is widely known in Quebec as an entrepreneur and social media personality. Best recognized as the owner of the popular Beachclub nightclub and for his active online presence, Primeau has no formal political experience. Yet his public profile and business success made him a notable figure outside traditional political circles.

His name started circulating in political discussions not because he declared a serious bid for leadership, but because Quebec’s search for a successor to François Legault invited speculation about non-traditional leaders or “outsiders”.

Before officially ruling out a leadership bid, Primeau received significant public encouragement and speculation about his future in politics, illustrating how unconventional figures are gaining visibility in Quebec’s shifting political environment.

Legault’s Resignation: A Political Earthquake

To understand the context for Primeau’s withdrawal, it’s important to see the backdrop of François Legault’s resignation.

On January 14, 2026, Legault — founder and long‑time leader of the CAQ — announced that he would step down as both Premier of Quebec and the party’s leader. His announcement came as support for the CAQ waned and polls indicated significant momentum for opposition parties, particularly the separatist Parti Québécois (PQ).

Legault’s departure represents a rare rupture in Quebec politics, where continuity of leadership has often been the norm. Known for his pragmatic yet nationalist approach — which pushed for greater powers for Quebec within Canada but stopped short of outright independence — Legault reshaped the political map since his rise in 2018 and again in 2022.

His resignation leaves the CAQ facing internal leadership debates at a time when homogeneity of vision and unity of message are critical. With elections scheduled to be held by October 5, 2026, the CAQ must quickly rebuild its leadership infrastructure to remain competitive.

The Leadership Race Begins — And Primeau’s Name Emerges

Legault’s resignation triggered immediate speculation about potential successors. Traditional political figures, including seasoned CAQ ministers and the party’s elected legislators, were expected to weigh in. Yet, quickly, voices in media and political circles began throwing out non-traditional names, and Olivier Primeau’s name surfaced prominently among them.

Media personalities and commentators suggested that Primeau could represent a fresh face — someone unburdened by political experience but with a popular following and business credentials. For some commentators, he embodied a potential “wind of renewal” for the party at a time when voter enthusiasm had plummeted.

However, speculation about an outsider entering a leadership race comes with both excitement and critique. Some insiders worried that bringing someone without governance experience to lead a party already in a leadership crisis could undercut the CAQ’s credibility and stability.

Primeau Says No: Decision and Rationale

On January 16, 2026, Olivier Primeau made it official: he would not run for the CAQ leadership. In a public announcement shared on social media, he explained that despite interest and encouragement, he was not yet ready to take on such a major political role.

Primeau clearly said he believed he could have been a capable premier — stating he would surround himself with experienced people — but acknowledged that the timing and jump to political leadership were premature for him.

In his words, he indicated that he needed to focus on existing personal and business responsibilities and to gain more experience before considering such a role. He did not entirely close the door on future political involvement but emphasized that this was not the right moment.

His decision not only ended speculation but also underscored the challenges the CAQ faces in attracting outsiders at a critical juncture.

Reactions Within the CAQ and Beyond

Primeau’s withdrawal earned mixed reactions from political commentators, CAQ insiders, and observers:

Supporters of an Outsider Approach

Some analysts saw the initial idea of Primeau’s candidacy as positive — a sign that voters and party members were looking for new faces and ideas. The potential of an outsider tapping into fresh perspectives energized certain segments of the electorate.

Critics Worried About Experience

Others — including some CAQ members — were skeptical about an outsider with no political experience aiming for the province’s top job. They raised concerns that lacking legislative or governance experience could pose serious problems for leadership.

Media and Public Debate

Public conversation, including on social platforms, reflected broad debate. Some voices criticized the idea outright as unrealistic or emblematic of political opportunism, while others expressed relief that Primeau declined to run, viewing the move as sensible given the stakes.

The diversity of reactions highlights deeper tensions within the party: whether to pursue establishment experience or embrace disruptive, outsider energy.

Impact on the CAQ Leadership Race

With Primeau out, the leadership race now looks likely to be dominated by experienced political figures. Several ministers and sitting CAQ members have been discussed as potential candidates:

• Christine Fréchette — Economics Minister

• Geneviève Guilbault — Deputy Premier

• Simon Jolin‑Barrette — Senior minister with legislative experience

• Sonia LeBel — Minister with legal background

• Bernard Drainville — Environment Minister

• Others within CAQ caucus weighing their options.

Even another official — Christopher Skeete — recently announced he would not enter the leadership race, choosing instead to remain in his current ministerial roles.

This narrowing field suggests CAQ members may favor familiarity and governance expertise over outsider novelty at such a critical moment.

Broader Political Implications for Quebec

Primeau’s withdrawal and Legault’s exit come as Quebec faces a deeply uncertain political climate. Polls have shown the CAQ trailing both the Parti Québécois (PQ) and opposition parties, with Quebecers increasingly uncertain about the CAQ’s direction in the absence of Legault.

The PQ, led by Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon, is capitalizing on this opening — advocating for renewed debate on sovereignty and independence, and pushing to put these issues back at the center of political discussion.

In contrast, the CAQ — originally founded to offer Quebec an alternative to traditional nationalist and federalist camps — now faces the twin challenges of finding a new leader and redefining its identity in an evolving political context.

Legault’s resignation opens the door for change across the province’s political spectrum. It highlights how leadership transitions can accelerate debates on identity, governance, and the future direction of a major Canadian province.

What Comes Next? The Road to the October Election

With the leadership race ahead and the general provincial election slated no later than October 5, 2026, the next several months will be decisive for Quebec’s political future.

• The CAQ must select a new leader capable of uniting the party and commanding voter confidence.

• Opposition parties — especially the PQ — will push to expand their influence and potentially reclaim political power.

• Quebec voters will observe how the CAQ responds to criticism, manages leadership debates, and proposes a compelling vision for the province’s next phase.

As for Olivier Primeau, his decision not to run may prove wise in the long term — allowing him time to consider a future role in politics without risking immediate exposure in a high-stakes leadership battle.

Conclusion: A Party at a Crossroads

Olivier Primeau’s withdrawal from the CAQ leadership race is a symbolic moment in a broader political realignment in Quebec. Primeau’s high-profile name highlighted the appetite — at least in conversation — for new and unconventional leadership. Yet, his ultimate decision underscores the realities of provincial politics: voters and parties still value experience, institutional knowledge, and political maturity, especially when government leadership is on the line.

As the CAQ charts its path forward without Legault, the departure of potential outsider candidates and the focus on experienced party figures may shape not just the next leader, but the future trajectory of Quebec politics itself.

The coming months will reveal whether the CAQ can reenergize and compete effectively, or whether this period will mark a significant turning point in favor of opposition movements — including the PQ, which is already shaping its campaign around renewed momentum and bold policy agendas.

In the complex chessboard of Quebec politics, January 2026 may well be remembered as a turning point — driven by leadership transitions, strategic decisions, and the evolving role of public figures like Olivier Primeau in shaping political narratives.