Ever considered running for public office? The 2026 municipal election is quickly approaching, and nominations open next week.
The next municipal election will be held on Oct. 26. While that may feel far off, the official election season begins on Friday, May 1, when nominations open.
Anyone looking to run for mayor, city council, or school board trustee must file a nomination paper with the city clerk between 8:30 a.m. on May 1 and 2 p.m. on Aug. 21.
As part of the nomination process, mayoral and city council candidates are also required to submit at least 25 signatures of endorsement from eligible electors. This requirement does not apply to school trustee candidates.
Endorsement signatures must come from Canadian citizens who are 18 years of age or older and who have a qualifying address within the City of Toronto, as defined by the city.
Filing fees are set at $200 for mayoral candidates and $100 for those running for city council or school trustee.
To be eligible to run for mayor or city council, candidates must be Canadian citizens who are at least 18 years old, residents of Toronto or property owners in the city, not legally prohibited from voting, and not otherwise disqualified by law from holding municipal office.
Requirements for school board trustee candidates are similar but tailored to their role. Candidates must be Canadian citizens, at least 18 years old, residents within the jurisdiction of the school board, eligible voters, and not disqualified from holding municipal office.
So far, city councillor Brad Bradford is the only prominent sitting councillor to have officially declared a mayoral run.
Mayor Olivia Chow has not yet announced whether she intends to seek a second term.
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Meanwhile, former city councillor and Ontario cabinet minister Michael Ford has confirmed he will not be entering the race, and former mayor John Tory has also ruled out a return to municipal politics.
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The race for school board trustee is also expected to be more competitive following a provincial decision to cap the number of trustees per school board at 12. The change will significantly impact the Toronto District School Board, which currently has 22 elected trustees.
