François Gariépy, a radio journalist whom Premier François Legault dubbed “Monsieur Radio X” during the COVID-19 pandemic, is running as a candidate for the Parti Québécois (PQ) in the riding of Charlevoix-Côte-de-Beaupré.
PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon announced the candidacy on social media. Gariépy, who has spent the last six years broadcasting on CHOI Radio X 98.1 and previously wrote for the cultural magazine Voir, aims to unseat Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) incumbent and Minister of Sport Kariane Bourassa, a former TVA journalist.
Bridging the Political Spectrum Through the Economic Right
St-Pierre Plamondon emphasized that Gariépy embodies a vital perspective within the sovereignist movement. According to the party leader’s public statement reported by Le Journal de Montréal, “François represents a current of our great political family that must be represented more, that of the economic right.”
Gariépy’s transition from talk radio to active provincial politics brings a well-known voice into the electoral arena, particularly in the Quebec City region. Gariépy has built his career covering municipal politics in Quebec City, establishing a deep familiarity with local issues that he hopes will resonate with voters in Charlevoix-Côte-de-Beaupré, where he resides.
Reflecting on his career change, Gariépy stated via press release, as covered by Le Soleil, that “the time has come to rally independence supporters under the banner of the Parti Québécois.” He added, “Today, I am launching myself with the deep conviction that we can do better in Quebec, that we can finally decide for ourselves.”
From Coronavirus Clashes to Caucus Candidate
Gariépy’s path to electoral politics is closely tied to his reporting during the COVID-19 health crisis. In October 2020, Gariépy traveled from Quebec City to Montreal to directly question Premier François Legault during a press briefing regarding sanitary measures.
During that tense exchange, Legault challenged the reporter’s stance on public health restrictions. As documented in contemporary coverage, Legault remarked, “I won’t hide from you that I have a hard time with you, Mr. Radio X. Today’s 28 deaths are real deaths,” before inviting the radio station to urge its listeners to respect safety guidelines.
Now, Gariépy steps from the press gallery into the political fray, criticizing the current administration’s fiscal management. In his campaign statements, he pledged to clean up the governmental apparatus and halt what he characterizes as the egregious waste of public funds witnessed under the CAQ administration.
Radio Personality Shakeups Across the Political Landscape
Gariépy is not the only media personality making waves in the current electoral cycle. The Parti Québécois previously announced the candidacy of Stéphanie Martin, a journalist with Le Journal de Québec who covers municipal affairs alongside Gariépy, in the riding of Vanier–Les Rivières.
Meanwhile, the Conservative Party of Quebec has also drawn talent from the CHOI Radio X roster. Dominique “Doom” Dumas secured a candidacy for the party in Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, though his past social media remarks regarding abortion regulations drew scrutiny over the summer before he scrubbed his online accounts.
Reacting to Gariépy’s political leap, fellow CHOI Radio X host Dominic Maurais expressed surprise on social media, writing, “Gary is doing a Dumas to us, but… of the left! He’s leaving Radio X for… the PQ!”, drawing a direct parallel to Dumas’s conservative alignment.
As the campaign unfolds in Charlevoix-Côte-de-Beaupré, Gariépy will face a crowded field. Québec solidaire has named Dulce Vivar as its candidate in the riding, setting the stage for a multi-party contest as the province marches toward election day.
