Drainville Gains Two Endorsements, Fréchette Supported by Veteran in CAQ Race

Casey Halston

Published: January 24, 2026 10:39 AM ET

In a significant development within the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) leadership race, two key endorsements have solidified support for Bernard Drainville. This announcement coincides with his official entry into the contest.

Drainville Gains Two Endorsements

Bernard Drainville is set to launch his campaign this Saturday. He has garnered support from CAQ Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) Isabelle Lecours and Yannick Gagnon.

Support from Veteran Politicians

Christine Fréchette will announce her candidacy on Sunday. Her support has now reached 13 endorsements within the CAQ caucus, boosted by the addition of veteran Mario Laframboise. Laframboise, a former Bloc Québécois MP from 2000 to 2011, is recognized for his significant influence and experience.

Laframboise has been an elected CAQ member since 2014.
He served as the caucus president from 2018 to 2024.
He was also the government’s chief whip for one year.

Laframboise expressed his belief in Fréchette’s ability to protect the province’s economy, culture, and identity, reinforcing her nationalistic stance. He highlights her experience and pragmatism as essential traits for her leadership.

Voices of Support for Drainville

Isabelle Lecours has been a member of the CAQ since 2016. Elected in Lotbinière-Frontenac since 2018, she emphasizes Drainville’s consistent defense of French language, identity, and secularism. Lecours believes he is the leader needed for a strong and united Quebec.

Yannick Gagnon, elected in 2022, praised Drainville as an authentic and relatable leader, emphasizing his heartfelt communication style and substantial credentials from the London School of Economics. Gagnon highlighted Drainville’s notable achievements, including swiftly banning cell phones in schools for the benefit of youth and laying the groundwork for the state’s secularism law.

Current Standings and Future Potential

With these endorsements, Drainville has now secured four caucus supporters, including younger party members like Kariane Bourassa and Samuel Poulin. Additionally, some supporters of Simon Jolin-Barrette have shifted their allegiance to Drainville following Jolin-Barrette’s withdrawal from the race.

The changing dynamics within the CAQ leadership contest are notable as candidates prepare for the challenges ahead. With influential endorsements and a focus on core values, Drainville aims to capitalize on this momentum as he seeks to lead the CAQ and become the next premier of Quebec.