Arpan Khanna re-elected in Oxford

Oxford MP Arpan Khanna thanked supporters and volunteers at his victory party after he was re-elected in Monday’s election. Khanna received 53.2 per cent of the vote, far surpassing the Liberal’s David Hilderley with 37.9 per cent. Jeff Helsdon photo

By Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Incumbent Arpan Khanna handily recaptured Oxford in the federal election on Monday.

With 242 of 243 polls reporting on Tuesday morning, Khanna had 37,995 votes, Liberal David Hilderley captured 27,018 and the NDP’s Matthew Chambers received 3,107. Ballots cast for others running were: Jacob Watson, Christian Heritage Party, 1,200; Cheryle Baker, Green Party, 1,057; Steven Beausoleil, People’s Party of Canada, 634; Melanie Van Brugge, United Party of Canada, 238; and Akshay Vardhan, Independent, 107.

By percentages, Khanna received 53.2 per cent of the vote and Hilderley 37.9 per cent.

The local results were reflective of southwestern Ontario where the Conservatives captured all the rural seats. In London, two Liberals held their ridings while the Conservatives toppled the NDP’s Lindsay Mathyssen in a long-time stronghold for the party in London-Fanshawe.

At Khanna’s election party in Woodstock, supporters and volunteers were solemn as early results showed a Liberal victory nationally. Oxford results were slow to appear, but Khanna was in front from the first results posted. His lead built as more polls reported and a cheer went through the room when he was declared a winner by media.

Arriving at the party past 11:30 p.m., Khanna walked through the room personally thanking all the volunteers and shaking hands. Speaking to the crowd, he started by thanking the volunteers, his staff and family.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “You have been amazing, not just today, but for the weeks leading up to it.”

Claiming that the campaign broke records for the riding in a federal election, he said workers knocked on 45,000 doors, put up 2,500 signs and the vote count was the highest ever.

Confessing he was a workaholic, Khanna said he speaks up for Oxford residents. Mentioning a senior couple who was going to lose their home and a single parent struggling to feed her children he spoke with on the campaign trail, he said, “This is what we’re fighting for.”

Interviewed later, Khanna said the senior couple was being crippled by the increased cost of living, higher interest rates and rising food costs.

“They were in tears yesterday. It was sad to see that. They did everything right,” he said, adding this couple is not alone in their predicament.

He said the single mother is working double shifts trying to feed her children and saw the Conservatives as the party of hope. Coming from a family with both parents being factory workers, Khanna said he understands the plight of the average Canadian.

During his speech, Khanna vowed, “I will be the hardest-working member of parliament in the country. If there is a problem and I can help, I will.”

Khanna was elected in a by-election in 2023 following the resignation of Dave MacKenzie. That was Khanna’s first challenge by Hilderley, and he won by 2,500 votes, or six per cent. Asked the reason for the increase in the margin, Khanna answered, “Since I was elected, I worked my butt off. I dedicated my time and it’s Oxford residents who trust me.”

He also spoke of his vision to help people whenever he can.

“It doesn’t matter who you voted for, I am there,” he said. “I will always put Oxford residents first.”

Khanna is looking forward to serving residents with integrity and compassion. He also wished the best to the other candidates in the race, who gave it their best shot.

Reflecting on the national results the next day, Khanna said with the Liberals having a minority, the question is what happens next with support needed from another party. He hopes for a change of course that will make life better for people in Oxford.

“I do feel there is a sense of divide in our country,” he said. “They need to find a way to reunite and get our country back on its two feet again.”

While Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre lost his seat, on a positive note, Khanna said the party picked up two dozen seats in areas it didn’t have seats in before, increased the youth vote, the vote for trades and brought up the vote percentage nationally.

From the Liberal camp

While Hilderley was disappointed personally, he said the biggest disappointment he had was for his team, which had worked hard.

“It befuddles me we didn’t manage to win this one,” Hilderley said. “Oxford County has always been a blue riding for the most part. The voters have decided they wanted to maintain the status quo.”

He said he hasn’t seen Khanna do anything in Ottawa in the past two years, and no money coming to Oxford County.

“It’s difficult when you’re in opposition, but the things he voted against – dental care, pharma care, the income supplement for seniors. Those things are important for Oxford County citizens.”

Speaking to the national results, Hilderley said he was hoping for a majority so the Liberals could implement their plan.

“Hopefully the parties will work together and build a strong future for Canada,” he said.

Hilderley hasn’t decided if he will run again.

“It does demand a lot of commitment,” he said. “It’s important for my association to rebuild and prepare for the next election in a positive way.”

All candidates were asked to provide input, and the only response was from Vardhan.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the constituents who voted for me,” he said. “I remain committed to serving you diligently and faithfully in whatever capacity I can. I also congratulate Arpan on his re-election as the Member of Parliament for Oxford County.”