The party and its rival, the Liberals, have alternated in power since responsible government was granted in 1851.

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

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.