Former Toronto Mayor John Tory says he has “a lot to think about” when it comes to running in next year’s municipal election and residents are divided on if they want him in office again.
On Friday, Tory addressed rumours to Newstalk 1010 amid rising speculation that he could be considering another run for mayor in the city. While he assured there aren’t any plans in place to run at this time, he left room for the possibility of throwing his hat into the ring once again.
“The election is 16 months away. I’ve got a lot to think about, but I’m just going on with my life, trying to help the city the ways that I did before I was mayor and the way I have done after,” Tory said on Friday.
Previous media reports alleged the former mayor was considering taking on the role for another term, but Tory confirmed that he has not made a final decision on the matter.
“Bottom line is I love the city. I’m spending all of my time now helping out in different ways,” he said.
Back in February 2023, Tory resigned from office only months into his third term as mayor, following an explosive scandal that revealed he had been involved in an affair with one of his staff members during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Current Mayor Olivia Chow was elected in a byelection in June 2023.
Online, some Torontonians have been divided on whether or not they’d like to see Tory assume the role one more time.
“The man is 71 years old. Time to stay retired,” one person said on Reddit.
“Because of him, and many other mayors tbh, our city is in deep financial trouble. We don’t need to continue to use the same politicians out of the same recycling bin,” another person wrote.
While some think the former mayor should leave politics alone, others would love to see him in the Chief Magistrate seat.
“Yes, good,” one X user wrote. “He wasn’t perfect, but didn’t need to go when he did in the first place.”
The next municipal election is scheduled to be held on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026.
