Michael Harris’s wife Sarah to seek nomination.

KITCHENER — This is not how Sarah Harris expected to get into politics.

But a door has opened and she’s stepping through it.

Harris, 36, will seek the Progressive Conservative nomination in Kitchener-Conestoga, the riding her husband Michael Harris is vacating due to poor health.

The timing is sudden.

The decision she says is not. She’s long considered running for public office.

Recently she attended a local campaign school for women interested in seeking election.

Michael’s decision to not seek re-election as an MPP has been emotional for their family of six.

“It is very difficult. It’s hard to talk about still,” Sarah said, her eyes welling up.

“This was a dream of his and we had to make a tough decision. But I’m totally committed. Don’t let the tears overshadow anything.”

It’s unknown who else might seek to represent the Progressive Conservatives in the June 7 provincial election.

Michael Harris announced his decision Saturday.

His party will now have to organize a nomination meeting and select its candidate.

Sarah Harris expects a fair fight against whoever competes for the nomination.

Politics often runs in families. Harris says she’s worked closely with her husband, campaigning with him while developing her own priorities.

“We’ve been a team for the last seven years,” she said. “I know I have something to give to the community and I want to serve the community on my own.”

Sarah works for a union, finding jobs and apprenticeships for tradespeople. Among her priorities is making everyday life more affordable. And improved health care.

“I’m a working mom. I want to make things easier for families,” Harris said. She sees the way forward as fiscally responsible government, worried that the government may have to cut services to pay for its escalating debt.

In Kitchener-Conestoga the Liberals have nominated Joe Gowing, a local banker and former Catholic school trustee.

The New Democrats have nominated Kelly Dick, a longtime labour advocate.