Brad Bradford enters Toronto’s 2026 mayoral race with a “back-to-basics” pitch

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published March 8, 2026

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Toronto city councillor Brad Bradford (Beaches–East York) says he will run for mayor in the October 2026 municipal election, framing his campaign around improving day-to-day service delivery and what he calls the city’s “basics.”

In remarks reported by local media, Bradford argued City Hall has stretched itself across too many priorities while falling short on core services that shape residents’ daily lives. He said he intends to be on the ballot once candidate registration opens May 1.

Bradford’s confirmation comes as the field begins to take shape after former mayor John Tory said he will not run. On endorsements, Bradford signaled he is not campaigning for a high-profile seal of approval, saying the endorsement he wants is from Toronto voters.

Bradford previously ran in the 2023 byelection and finished eighth, according to the same reporting.

Toronto’s next general municipal election is scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026, per the City of Toronto