What to know
- Former MPP and Toronto city councillor Michael Ford announced he will not run for mayor, nearly a month after considering a bid.
- Ford, nephew of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, cited family and careful reflection in his decision, but said he will remain active in supporting the city.
- With Ford out, city councillor Brad Bradford is currently the only confirmed candidate, while former mayor John Tory will not run.
- Mayor Olivia Chow has yet to confirm whether she will seek a second term; the 2026 municipal election nomination period runs May 1–August 21, with voting on October 26.
Michael Ford, the nephew of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, has announced that he will not run for Toronto mayor in the upcoming election, nearly a month after first saying he was considering a bid.
The former Toronto MPP and city councillor shared his decision in a statement to CP24 on Thursday.
“I want to thank the countless people who have been so kind to share their support with me from across the city,” he said. “After very thoughtful consideration with my close family, I have decided not to seek candidacy for mayor of Toronto.”
He added that he will remain active in the city he loves and lend his support in any way that helps make Toronto a safer, more affordable, and world-class city.
Ford first announced he was considering entering the race in early March. Shortly afterward, polls suggested some Torontonians were open to supporting the former politician.
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With Ford stepping aside, city councillor Brad Bradford remains the only politician to have formally entered the race so far. Bradford shared a statement on social media saying he respects Ford’s decision not to run.
“Michael Ford loves this city and has given a lot to public service. I respect his decision. We share a vision for a safer, more affordable, better-run Toronto – and I know we can make it happen,” he said.
Michael Ford loves this city and has given a lot to public service. I respect his decision.
— Brad Bradford (@BradMBradford) April 2, 2026
We share a vision for a safer, more affordable, better-run Toronto – and I know we can make it happen. https://t.co/s8abeumQ9g
Former mayor John Tory has also confirmed that he will not run.
Meanwhile, Mayor Olivia Chow has yet to say whether she intends to seek a second term.
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The nomination period for the 2026 municipal election opens May 1 and closes August 21. Voting day is set for October 26.
