Olivia Chow wins second term as Toronto mayor, defeats Brad Bradford

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 27, 2026

Photo courtesy: Olivia Chow | Facebook

TORONTO, Ontario — Olivia Chow has secured another term as Toronto mayor after defeating city councillor Brad Bradford in the municipal election on Monday, October 26, extending her leadership of Canada’s largest city.

Chow’s victory comes after a competitive campaign that tightened in its final weeks, with both candidates presenting different approaches to affordability, public transit, housing, and city services.

Preliminary results showed Chow leading with 523,641 votes, or 54.21%, against Bradford’s 398,274 votes, or 41.16%, with 1,408 of 1,431 polling stations reporting.

The figures are unofficial and remain subject to final confirmation by Toronto election officials.

Supporters celebrated at Chow’s election-night gathering at The Great Hall on Queen Street West, where she thanked voters for giving her another opportunity to lead the city.

“Tonight, the people of Toronto have spoken,” Chow told the crowd.

“You have given me the extraordinary honour of continuing to serve as your mayor.”

Chow also thanked her opponents and acknowledged the competitive nature of the election.

The result marks her second victory over Bradford, who also challenged her in the mayoral byelection in 2023.

Chow first took office after winning that election, which was held following the resignation of former mayor John Tory.

Her victory made history in Toronto, as she became the city’s first racialized mayor and the third woman to hold the position.

Before becoming mayor, Chow spent decades in public service. She began her political career as a school board trustee in 1985 before serving on Toronto City Council and later representing Trinity–Spadina in the House of Commons as a New Democratic Party member.

She also ran for mayor in 2014, finishing third.

In seeking another term, Chow focused heavily on affordability, promising measures to reduce everyday costs for residents.

Among her campaign commitments was a plan to cap Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) fares at 10 paid rides per week, allowing passengers to travel free for the remainder of the week after reaching that limit.

The proposal builds on the TTC’s existing monthly fare-capping system, introduced in September 2026, which allows riders to travel free after 47 paid trips in a calendar month.

Chow also campaigned on expanding school meal programs, strengthening renter protections, increasing affordable housing, and improving city services.

Her administration has faced continuing pressure over Toronto’s housing affordability, homelessness, transit needs, and rising living costs.

With another term secured, Chow will have the opportunity to pursue her campaign commitments while working with a newly elected city council.

The election also marks a continuation of her long career in Toronto politics, which has spanned more than four decades.