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The race to become the next leader of the P.E.I. Progressive Conservative party is down to two men.

Rob Lantz and Mark Ledwell were the only applicants for the vacant leadership position prior to Saturday’s deadline, the party announced on social media.

Lantz served as interim premier, after Dennis King resigned in February of 2025.

Before entering politics, Lantz worked in the private sector as a consultant in the information technology sector, and was involved in business startups.

He also served two terms on Charlottetown city council, and volunteered with community organizations. Lantz became an MLA for District 13 in 2023.

Lantz resigned as the province’s interim premier last month in order to run for the permanent position. Bloyce Thompson was sworn in as P.E.I. premier following Lantz’s resignation.

Meanwhile, Ledwell declared his candidacy for the party’s leadership back in May.

He is a business and legal professional with over 35 years of experience leading complex agri-food, infrastructure, energy and financing transactions.

Ledwell’s early career included a central role in Atlantic Canadian infrastructure projects, such as the Confederation Bridge, and the New Brunswick Trans-Canada Highway, according to his website.

Later in his career, Ledwell led and advised on major projects across Canada, and the world, and served as managing partner of law firms in Toronto and London, United Kingdom.

He most recently served as chair of the board at the Holland College Foundation.

Islanders that new members must sign up by Jan. 16 to be eligible to vote in the leadership contest, the PC Party said in Saturday’s Facebook post.

The next PC party leader will be voted on during the leadership convention on Feb. 7.