Lambton-Kent-Middlesex remains a Conservative stronghold with Lianne Rood cruising to victory in Monday's federal election.
The third-generation farmer and businesswoman from Grand Bend has held onto the riding for the Tories after the retirement of 13-year veteran Bev Shipley.
"I'm so thankful to the people of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex for putting their trust in me to be their next Member of Parliament," Rood told reporters at Willie's Beach Bar on Main Street in Grand Bend.
"I'm overwhelmed with gratitude from the kind messages, texts and phone calls, and I'm so thankful for my volunteers and for my family and all of the support they've provided me over the last almost year and a half. It's been a long journey and we're happy with the outcome, obviously, and I look forward to serving the people of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex."
With 198 of 242 polls reporting, Rood had 49.4 per cent of the vote, well ahead of Liberal candidate Jesse McCormick's 25.7 per cent.
The NDP's Dylan McLay had 15.3 per cent, the Green Party's Anthony Li 6.1 per cent, People's Party of Canada candidate Bria Atkins 3 per cent and Rob Lalande of the Veterans Coalition Party 0.5 per cent.
Rood said one of her main goals this coming term is securing a better connection for residents.
"I've knocked on over 15,000 doors, so I've heard a lot from folks and rural broadband, high speed internet, is probably one of the top things."
Rood worked for six years as a legislative assistant and was a member of Shipley's parliamentary staff in Ottawa.
In 2015 Bev Shipley won a fourth term with 28,280 votes, 50.2 per cent over his nearest opponent, Ken Filson of the Liberals.
— Colin Gowdy (@CGowdyCHOK) October 22, 2019
Conservative Marilyn Gladu has been re-elected to a second term in Sarnia-Lambton.
Lianne Rood MP elect for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex speaks with reporters outside Willie's Beach Bar in Grand Bend. October 21, 2019 Photo by Colin Gowdy.