Canada’s Liberal Party has pulled off a fourth straight federal election win, fueled by a massive surge of pro-Canada nationalism after months of rising tensions with the United States.

The Liberals, now led by Prime Minister Mark Carney after Justin Trudeau stepped down earlier this year, were leading with 161 seats late Monday. The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, had secured 150 seats. To form a majority government in Canada’s 343-seat Parliament, a party needs at least 172 seats.

LIVE: Thank you, Canada • EN DIRECT : Merci Canada https://t.co/E4uJHXmF1c

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 29, 2025

Carney claimed victory in his Ottawa riding, making him the first prime minister since John A. Macdonald, the nation’s first leader, to represent the capital area. Former Liberal deputy prime minister and finance minister Chrystia Freeland, whose resignation in December led to Trudeau announcing his departure the following month, was re-elected in her Toronto riding.

The final results were still coming in late Monday, but early projections showed the Liberals pulling ahead, even though it was unclear at first if they would secure a clear majority.

The election turnaround surprised many after earlier signs that the Liberals could lose power. The shift happened after U.S. President Donald Trump launched a trade war against Canada and floated the idea of annexing the country as America’s 51st state.

“We were dead and buried in December. Now we are going to form a government,” former Liberal Justice Minister David Lametti told CTV. “We have turned this around thanks to Mark,” he added.

Trump’s attacks on Canada in the final months of Trudeau’s leadership added to the tension. Trump often referred to Trudeau as “Canada’s governor” and said that the U.S. subsidizes Canada. On election day, Trump posted on Truth Social, “It makes no sense unless Canada is a State!”

Poilievre responded on X, saying, “President Trump, stay out of our election. The only people who will decide the future of Canada are Canadians at the ballot box. Canada will always be proud, sovereign and independent and we will NEVER be the 51st state. Today, Canadians can vote for change so we can strengthen our country and stand up to the United States.”

LIVE: Pierre Poilievre Speaks on Election Night https://t.co/REt1ZEkgP9

— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) April 29, 2025

Trump’s comments and tariffs sparked anger across Canada. Many Canadians canceled U.S. vacations, boycotted American goods, and showed up early to vote. A record 7.3 million Canadians cast their ballots before election day.

Carney directly warned voters what was at stake, saying, “The Americans want to break us so they can own us. Those aren’t just words. That’s what’s at risk.”

Despite the historic victory, the new Liberal government faces major challenges ahead. Canada is still battling a cost-of-living crisis, and with more than 75% of its exports going to the United States, Trump’s tariffs could seriously damage the Canadian economy.

On the campaign trail, Carney promised that all revenue collected from counter-tariffs on U.S. goods would be used to support Canadian workers hurt by the trade war.