Tantramar MLA ‘seriously considering’ entering race after David Coon announced he’ll step down as party leader in spring
Tantramar MLA Megan Mitton said she’s “definitely seriously considering” entering the race after New Brunswick’s Green Party officially launched its leadership contest this week. The race will determine who succeeds longtime leader David Coon, who announced earlier this year that he’ll step down after 14 years as leader.
“I’m definitely seriously considering running for leadership,” Mitton said. “And I’m excited for the next chapter for the party.”
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Mitton said she believes the party has continued to build support over the years and sees an opportunity to continue that growth.
“I know that we have grown over the years. We’ve increased our support,” she said. “Some of the next steps will be to increase the number of seats we have and keep growing. Because really, we are a grassroots party.”
The Green Party of New Brunswick released the rules for its leadership race this week. Nominations will open August 4 and close September 12. The party will announce its official candidates on September 28 before members vote to choose a new leader at a convention in Fredericton on December 5.
CHMA News asked Mitton about David Coon’s legacy. Coon has led the Green Party of New Brunswick for the past 14 years and has served as an MLA for 12.
Mitton said his impact on New Brunswick politics extends well beyond the Green caucus.
“David has changed politics in New Brunswick forever,” she began, “We have seen that the Green Party has staying power now in the Legislature and, it’s been amazing to be able to learn so much from him. I’m honoured to have had the chance to work with him.”
Mitton pointed to several accomplishments she credits to Coon’s leadership, including legislation that added Indigenous history to New Brunswick’s school curriculum. She also cited his role in raising concerns over a conflict of interest involving the proposed Lorneville data centre project, which led the environment minister to step aside from its environmental review.
“I think that the conversation has changed because of him being there and therefore Greens being there,” Mitton said. “Making sure that the climate crisis is top of mind. Fighting for better healthcare. Making sure that we don’t forget that poverty is a major issue in New Brunswick . . . he’s definitely left a mark and I think changed the dynamics in the legislature.”
Mitton was first elected as MLA for Tantramar in 2018, becoming the first Green MLA elected outside of the Fredericton area. She was re-elected in 2020 and again in 2024, and currently serves as the party’s deputy leader. If she enters the race, she would be seeking to succeed Coon after his 14 years as leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick.
Mitton has not officially entered the leadership race.
About the reporter
Clinton Davis is a PT journalist/producer with CHMA News covering Tantramar (including Sackville, Dorchester, Port Elgin, Midgic and surrounding communities). He reports on municipal government, public safety, community events, local business, regional issues and ideas across Tantramar.
