The 2026 Ontario municipal elections saw more than 400 contests held on Monday, resulting in a volatile landscape of political turnover. While some major urban centers retained their current leadership, an anti-incumbent sentiment drove several high-profile losses across the province.

Key results from the 2026 municipal elections

Results varied significantly between municipalities, highlighting different voter priorities:

  • Toronto: Incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow secured a comfortable victory over challenger Brad Bradford, despite earlier polls suggesting a dead heat.
  • Mississauga: Alvin Tedjo achieved a significant comeback, rising from 12 per cent polling in August to win the mayor's chair by defeating incumbent Carolyn Parrish and former mayor Bonnie Crombie.
  • Hamilton: Incumbent Andrea Horwath, the former Ontario NDP leader, finished in third place with 14 per cent of the vote.

Who won in Hamilton and Mississauga?

In Hamilton, Keanin Loomis, the CEO of the Canadian Institute of Steel Production, claimed victory after Horwath failed to secure a second term. Loomis noted that his win was about "believing again in what this city can be." This outcome continues a trend in Hamilton where mayors have frequently lost re-election bids since the city's amalgamation in 2000.

Mississauga saw a major generational and demographic shift. Tedjo is the first man to hold the office since 1978 and represents a departure from the long era of veteran political leaders in the city. He previously served as a Ward 2 councillor starting in 2022.

What drove the Toronto outcome?

In Toronto, Mayor Chow's victory was bolstered by her opposition to a proposal by Brad Bradford to create a public utility for water and wastewater. Chow argued such a move could lead to privatization. Political strategist Blue Knox noted that "Canadians like for their public institutions to stay public," suggesting this stance resonated with the electorate. Chow will now lead a council featuring several of her political allies.

FAQ

Did any major mayors keep their positions?

Yes, Olivia Chow was re-elected in Toronto, and several other large cities saw incumbents successfully defend their seats.

Who is the new mayor of Mississauga?

Alvin Tedjo won the election, marking the first time a man has held the position in Mississauga since 1978.