CAQ taps author and radio host Geneviève Pettersen to succeed Legault in L'Assomption
The Coalition Avenir Québec announced Thursday that author and former radio host Geneviève Pettersen will run in L'Assomption, the riding François Legault has held since 2012.
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Author and former radio host Geneviève Pettersen is entering politics with the Coalition Avenir Québec and will seek to succeed Premier François Legault in the riding of L'Assomption. Pettersen, who has written several books including the bestseller "La Déesse des mouches à feu," announced her candidacy Thursday evening via Instagram, saying her "phone was on fire" at a restaurant when the news broke.
"I haven't changed my convictions to enter politics. I'm choosing to enter politics with my convictions," she wrote. Pettersen was a columnist for Quebecor and hosted shows on 98.5 FM before leaving the radio station in November 2025. Her novel "La Déesse des mouches à feu" was adapted for the stage.
Legault has represented L'Assomption since 2012. However, polling aggregator Qc125 suggests the race is competitive — a close contest is expected between the CAQ and the Parti Québécois in the riding.
The facts
Who is the CAQ's candidate to succeed François Legault in L'Assomption?
Geneviève Pettersen, an author and former radio host, is the Coalition Avenir Québec's candidate to succeed Premier François Legault in L'Assomption.
How long has François Legault held the L'Assomption riding?
François Legault has represented L'Assomption since 2012.
What is Geneviève Pettersen's most well-known book?
'La Déesse des mouches à feu' is Geneviève Pettersen's bestselling novel, which was later adapted for the stage.