In 2004, she won the Parti Québécois candidacy for the coming by-election in her native riding, Laurier-Dorion, and began a campaign of outspoken left-wing and sovereigntist politics (opposing the Charest government). On September 20, 2004, at the age of 25, she became the youngest elected female MNA in the National Assembly of Quebec's history. Her arrival was touted by some as the sovereigntist new blood and "breath of fresh air" for the party and movement. Four by-elections occurred on the day of her victory. The Liberals lost all but one (with a smaller victory than usual for one of the strongest Liberal fortresses, Nelligan), with the PQ winning two and the Action démocratique du Québec one.