Poll: 62% won’t vote for Doug Ford if Ontario election were held today

A new INsauga poll suggests many readers are cooling on Premier Doug Ford following the latest controversy surrounding hotel expenses claimed by several Progressive Conservative MPPs.

The poll, which drew 3,216 votes, asked readers:

Would you vote for Doug Ford if the Ontario election was today?

The results were:

No: 61.6% (1,982 votes)
Yes: 38.4% (1,234 votes)

While the online poll is not scientific and reflects the opinions of INsauga readers rather than the broader Ontario electorate, the results come during a difficult stretch for Ford’s government.

The latest controversy erupted after expense records revealed several government MPPs claimed thousands of dollars in hotel stays in downtown Toronto despite representing ridings in or near the city.

The issue escalated when Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Stan Cho resigned from cabinet after it was revealed he claimed roughly $16,000 in Toronto hotel expenses while representing the Toronto riding of Willowdale. Cho later acknowledged the claims were a mistake, repaid the money and accepted responsibility, while remaining an MPP. Premier Doug Ford accepted his resignation and has since said other MPPs who made similar claims will also repay the expenses.

The controversy has also drawn attention to hotel expense claims made by several GTA cabinet ministers and MPPs, including representatives from Mississauga and Brampton, raising broader questions about how taxpayer-funded expenses have been handled under existing legislative rules.

The hotel expense saga is the latest challenge for Ford’s government, which has already faced criticism in recent years over issues including the Greenbelt land swap, housing affordability, health-care pressures and transparency.

Despite the recent controversy, Ford continues to enjoy significant support from many Ontarians. His government points to billions of dollars in manufacturing investments, new transit projects, highway expansion, skilled trades initiatives and job creation as major accomplishments since taking office.

That divide was reflected in the poll, with nearly four in 10 respondents saying they would still vote for Ford if Ontarians headed to the polls today.

As with all online polls, the results should be viewed as a snapshot of INsauga readers rather than the province as a whole. Public opinion can shift quickly, particularly as political issues evolve.

Still, if this poll is any indication, the recent hotel expense controversy appears to have become another significant political challenge for the premier and his government.