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Toronto mayoral election

The Toronto mayoral election is the citywide vote used to elect the mayor of Toronto, Ontario.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Toronto mayoral election is the citywide vote used to elect the mayor of Toronto, Ontario. The next scheduled election is the 2026 Toronto mayoral election, set for October 26, 2026, alongside the broader Toronto municipal election. Incumbent mayor Olivia Chow is seeking re-election after winning the 2023 by-election.

Overview

The Toronto mayoral election is the process by which voters in Toronto choose the city's mayor. In 2026, the election is part of the regular municipal election cycle and is scheduled for October 26.

2026 election

The 2026 Toronto mayoral election is scheduled for October 26, 2026, alongside elections for city council and school boards. City information states that advance voting runs from October 6 to October 11, 2026.

Candidates

Olivia Chow is the incumbent mayor and is running for re-election to her first full term after winning the 2023 by-election. Brad Bradford has also declared his candidacy, while other candidates may enter during the nomination period.

Recent history

The most recent mayoral contest was the 2023 by-election, called after John Tory resigned. Olivia Chow won that race and took office on July 12, 2023.

Key facts

  • The next Toronto mayoral election is scheduled for October 26, 2026.
  • It will be held at the same time as the 2026 Toronto municipal election, which also selects councillors and school board trustees.
  • Olivia Chow, who won the 2023 mayoral by-election, is running for re-election.
  • Brad Bradford was the first major declared challenger reported in the 2026 race.
  • The nomination period for mayoral candidates opened on May 1, 2026, and closes on August 21, 2026, at 2 p.m.
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Canadian context

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, so the mayoral election is closely watched by Canadian readers for its impact on municipal policy, transit, housing, budgeting, and local governance.

Frequently asked questions

When is the next Toronto mayoral election?
It is scheduled for October 26, 2026.
Who is the incumbent mayor?
Olivia Chow is the incumbent mayor and is running for re-election.
When do nominations close?
The nomination period closes on August 21, 2026, at 2 p.m.
What other elections happen at the same time?
The mayoral election will be held with the Toronto municipal election, including city councillors and school board trustees.
Who won the previous mayoral election?
Olivia Chow won the 2023 Toronto mayoral by-election after John Tory resigned.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Toronto_mayoral_election
    Supports: Scheduled date of the 2026 Toronto mayoral election, nomination period, and Chow's candidacy
  2. City of Toronto — https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/elections/
    Supports: Official municipal election nomination deadline and election information
  3. City of Toronto — https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/elections/city-elections/
    Supports: Official election day and advance voting dates
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Toronto_municipal_election
    Supports: Election timing, offices elected, and declared candidates
  5. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/candidates-2026-elections-toronto-9.7183285
    Supports: Brad Bradford's candidacy and race context
  6. CityNews Toronto — https://www.toronto.citynews.ca/2026/05/01/toronto-mayoral-election-2026-brad-bradford-olivia-chow/
    Supports: Brad Bradford's registration and nomination-period details
  7. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66026811
    Supports: Olivia Chow's 2023 victory and vote share
  8. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-mayoral-byelection-all-candidates-results-1.6889041
    Supports: Record 102-candidate by-election context