Kitchener councillor Debbie Chapman will run for NDP in upcoming byelection

Kitchener city councillor Debbie Chapman will run for Ontario's NDP in an upcoming byelection in Kitchener Centre.

The Kitchener Centre seat will become vacant in July when current NDP MPP Laura Mae Lindo will step down. Chapman is the councillor for Ward 9, serving her second term.

Chapman is the second Kitchener councillor to run for the upcoming byelection. Ward 10 Coun. Aislinn Clancy has been chosen to run for the Ontario Greens.

Chapmanwas chosen to represent the NDPTuesday night, saying she was honoured to be chosen as the Ontario NDP candidate.

"I'veseen firsthand the challengesfaced in our community, brought on by years ofunder investmentby the Ford government," Chapman said in a release.

"I'mrunning because I know thata better Ontario is possible.I'mexcited for the chance to join the strong Official Opposition team and bring our community's voice to Queen's Park."

"I know that together, we canwin more for our community, and people across the province," she added.

Premier Doug Ford has six months to call a byelection in the riding once Lindo vacates the seat.

The OntarioLiberalsnominatedKelly Steissin the upcoming byelectionon Monday. TheProgressive Conservatives have not yet named a candidate.