The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Politics & World›Politician›Andrea Horwath
Politics & World • Politician

Andrea Horwath

Andrea Horwath is a Canadian politician who has served as mayor of Hamilton since 2022.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Andrea Horwath is a Canadian politician who has served as mayor of Hamilton, Ontario, since 2022. She previously led the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) from 2009 to 2022 and served as Leader of the Official Opposition in Ontario from 2018 to 2022.

Early life and education

Andrea Horwath was born in Hamilton, Ontario, on October 24, 1962, and was raised in the city. She studied labour studies at McMaster University, where she completed a bachelor’s degree.

Provincial political career

Horwath was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2004 for the riding of Hamilton Centre. She became leader of the Ontario NDP in 2009 and later served as Leader of the Official Opposition after the 2018 provincial election.

Mayor of Hamilton

In 2022, Horwath was elected mayor of Hamilton. She took office on November 15, 2022, becoming the city’s first woman mayor.

Public profile and leadership

Horwath has been known for long-running involvement in Hamilton civic issues and labour-related advocacy. Her political career has included municipal, provincial, and party leadership roles.

Key facts

  • Elected mayor of Hamilton in 2022, first woman to hold the office.
  • Led Ontario NDP for 13 years, from 2009 to 2022.
  • Served as Leader of the Official Opposition in Ontario from 2018 to 2022.
  • Represented Hamilton Centre in the Ontario legislature from 2004 to 2022.
  • First woman to lead the Ontario NDP.
🍁
Canadian context

Horwath is a prominent Ontario political figure and Hamilton’s mayor, making her especially relevant to Canadian readers interested in provincial politics and municipal leadership.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Andrea Horwath?
Andrea Horwath is a Canadian politician and the mayor of Hamilton, Ontario, since 2022.
What parties or offices has she held?
She led the Ontario NDP from 2009 to 2022, served as Ontario’s Leader of the Official Opposition from 2018 to 2022, and was MPP for Hamilton Centre from 2004 to 2022.
When was Andrea Horwath born?
She was born on October 24, 1962.
Is Andrea Horwath the first woman mayor of Hamilton?
Yes. Hamilton’s city website identifies her as the first woman elected to lead the city.
What riding did she represent in the Ontario legislature?
She represented Hamilton Centre.

References

  1. City of Hamilton — https://www.hamilton.ca/city-council/council-committee/city-council-members/mayor-andrea-horwath/get-know-your-mayor
    Supports: Mayor of Hamilton, first woman elected to lead the city, office start date, prior Ontario NDP leadership and MPP service
  2. Legislative Assembly of Ontario — https://www.ola.org/en/members/all/andrea-horwath
    Supports: Hamilton Centre MPP service, Ontario NDP leadership, opposition roles, biographical details
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_Horwath
    Supports: Full name, birth date, mayoral office, provincial leadership timeline
  4. CBC — https://www.cbc.ca/lite/story/1.1062274
    Supports: Birth date, education at McMaster University, early political history