The Progressive Conservatives formed the government in Prince Edward Island under Premier Pat Binns, starting in 1996.

In October 2010, following the resignation of Binns as party leader (in 2007), a leadership election was held.

On September 17, 2018, Aylward announced his pending resignation as leader, effective upon the election of his successor on February 9, 2019.

The Liberals have also traditionally enjoyed the support of the province's small Acadian population concentrated in Prince County at the west end of the island.

Progressive Conservative support has tended to be greater on the eastern half of the island.