Liberal candidate Carlo Simmons (Image contributed by the Nova Scotia Liberal Party).

The Nova Scotia Liberal Party has named a new candidate for the Preston byelection.

Carlo Simmons will represent the Liberals in the election, after spending his life as a small business owner in the community.

For the past 25 years, Simmons has been the owner and Chief Operating Officer of Simmons Paving Co., which has been operating in Preston since 1975.

Angela Simmonds resigned from her seat as MLA for Preston on April 1. An election to determine her replacement will be held within the next five months.

Liberal leader Zach Churchill said it was important to him to find a Black candidate to represent the historic African Nova Scotian communities found within the riding.

“The riding of Preston is my home, and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to give back to the community,” said Simmons. “I believe Zach Churchill’s Liberal team is the best positioned to tackle the important issues such as the healthcare crisis, the high cost of living, and affordable housing. I’m excited to get to work and become the next MLA for the Preston riding.”