The campaign organizer for the winning candidate in Richmond Hill in Thursday’s provincial election noted the resilience of Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Liberal incumbent, Reza Moridi, celebrated victory along with boisterous supporters at his party headquarters, Thursday night. Moridi defeated runner-up Vic Gupta of the Progressive Conservatives by more than 11 per cent of the vote.

Michael Jolliffe, Moridi’s election-day chair, was responsible for overseeing the effort to pull voters out on Thursday. He amplified Moridi’s excitement.

“Two months ago, they said the Premier was finished, but look now.”

Moridi arrived at the Shiraz restaurant in Richmond Hill shortly after 10 p.m. and was greeted by volunteers. They rushed to shake his hand and to have photos taken with the successful candidate. Moridi eventually made his victory speech at around 10:45.

“This night is great for us. It’s great for Richmond Hill. It’s great for Ontario and indeed it’s great for Canada,” Moridi said.

In his speech, Moridi thanked his volunteers for their part in his re-election, but Jolliffe said Moridi’s past record as an MPP and his personal character were the biggest factors in his victory.

“We’re lucky to have someone like Reza in Richmond Hill,” Jolliffe said. “He’s a decent hard-working person… He worked hard for the last four years in improving York Central Hospital and the community. That’s what made the difference.”