House of Commons was nineteen years, ten months, and twenty-three days. Following his defeat in the 2006 election, he resigned as Liberal leader, but remained in the House of Commons until the 2008 general election. He then retired from politics. Federal general elections: 2004 and 2006 Martin led the Liberal Party in two general elections: 2004 and 2006. He was reduced to a minority government in the 2004 election, but lost to Harper and the Conservative Party of Canada in the 2006 election. Federal election, 2004 In his first general election, Martin won a minority government, defeating the new Conservative leader, Stephen Harper. However, he lost the majority the Liberals went into the election with. 1 Prime Minister when election was called; Prime Minister after election. 2 Leader of the Opposition when election was called; Leader of the Opposition after the election. 3 Table does not include parties which received votes but did not elect any members. Federal election, 2006 In his second general election, Martin was defeated by Harper, who formed a minority government. 1 Leader of the Opposition when election was called; Prime Minister after election. 2 Prime Minister when election was called; Member of Parliament after the election. 3 Table does not include parties which received votes but did not elect any members. Federal constituency elections: 1988 to 2006 Martin stood for election to the House of Commons eight times. He was elected each time, often with substantial majorities. 1988 Federal Election: LaSalle—Émard Elected. X Incumbent. 1993 Federal Election: LaSalle—Émard Elected. X Incumbent. 1997 Federal Election: LaSalle—Émard Elected. X Incumbent. 2000 Federal Election: LaSalle—Émard Elected. X Incumbent. 1 Rounding error. 2004 Federal Election: LaSalle—Émard Elected. X Incumbent. 1 Rounding error. 2006 Federal Election: LaSalle—Émard Elected. X Incumbent. Liberal Party Leadership Conventions: 1990, 2003 Martin contested the Liberal leadership twice. He lost in 1990 to Chrétien, who then led the Liberal party in the next three general elections. Turner retired in 2003 and Martin won the subsequent leadership convention. 1990 Leadership Convention Following the Liberal defeat in the 1988 general election, Turner announced his retirement. At the leadership convention held in 1990, Martin lost to Chrétien, who became the Liberal leader. 1 Rounding error. 2003 Leadership Convention In 2002, Chrétien announced that he would retire in 2003. At the 2003 leadership convention, Martin overwhelmingly won the Liberal leadership on the first ballot. See also Electoral history of Jean