Independent MP Kevin Vuong not seeking re-election

Kevin Vuong has announced that he will not be seeking re-election.

The Independent MP has represented Toronto's Spadina-Fort York riding since 2021.

"It is my family that informs my decision to not seek re-election," Vuong wrote in a statement. "I know the importance of family. No matter how tired my mom was after a long day on the assembly line, or my dad from the night shift at his work, they were always there for me when I needed them. There really is no substitute for being present."

He went on to lament that he was in Ottawa the first time his daughter, Victoria, learned to roll, and had been "absent for other milestones."

"I cannot explain the immeasurable joy when I was home to see Victoria learn to sit on her own for the very first time just this past Saturday," Vuong continued. "These early years are vitally important for her development, and I will be there for her."

He also thanked his wife, Elizabeth, for standing by him through his journey, adding that now it was his turn to "prioritize her and our daughter."

"My decision does not mean I am withdrawing from public service," Vuong emphasized. "I believe one does not have to be in public office to make a public difference. I am more focused than ever on contributing to building a better city, province, and country — not only for us, but for my daughter and the next generation of Canadians. It's now about them and the Toronto and Canada they will grow up in and inherit."

He said he would provide an update shortly regarding exactly what his future holds.

Vuong initially ran as a Liberal, but was ditched by the party just days before the 2021 election due to a dropped sexual assault allegation from 2019.

"We take any allegation extremely seriously," the party said.

He eventually moved his seat in the House to the Official Opposition corner to avoid "Hezbollah apologists."