Paul Chang Steps Down: A Familiar Moment in Every Election Cycle

Liberal MP Paul Chiang has become the first candidate in the 2025 federal election to withdraw from the race. It’s the kind of moment that happens in virtually every campaign cycle—somewhere along the way, a candidate steps aside after past statements or social media activity come under renewed scrutiny.

In Chiang’s case, the comments in question were made in January. That’s prompted fair questions about why the issue is surfacing now rather than months ago. But this is a familiar pattern in modern elections. The early days of a campaign are often focused on rollout and platform announcements. As things progress, however, every party—without exception—faces a phase where candidates are more closely examined, not just by journalists, but by political opponents and digital sleuths trained to comb through years of online history.

Every election sees this happen. Candidates from all parties will find themselves under the spotlight for things they’ve said, written, or posted—sometimes recently, sometimes long ago. It’s not a sign of crisis. It’s politics in the digital age, where campaigns are constantly navigating the line between accountability and momentum.

Chiang’s departure is notable, but it’s also part of an expected rhythm. More such episodes are almost guaranteed across all parties. This is not new. It’s not even unusual. It’s simply the landscape candidates are stepping into—and the pace is only going to pick up from here.