Toronto mayoral race tightens as Chow and Bradford battle for City Hall

TORONTO— Toronto’s October 26 mayoral election has developed into an increasingly competitive contest between incumbent Olivia Chow and city councillor Brad Bradford, with two newly released opinion polls presenting sharply different assessments of voter support.

A Mainstreet Research survey published October 20 places Bradford narrowly ahead with 48.9 per cent support, compared with 47.5 per cent for Chow, suggesting that the challenger has gained considerable ground during the final weeks of campaigning.

However, a separate Pollara Strategic Insights survey gives Chow a seven-point advantage among decided voters, with 53 per cent supporting the incumbent and 46 per cent favouring Bradford.

The conflicting results underscore the uncertainty surrounding the election, with undecided voters and turnout expected to play decisive roles.

Housing affordability, public transit, traffic congestion, municipal taxation and community safety have emerged as leading campaign issues. Chow has emphasized expanding affordable rental housing, strengthening tenant protections and increasing municipal investment in housing programs.

Bradford, meanwhile, has proposed reducing land transfer taxes for qualifying homebuyers, improving public safety and changing the city’s approach to infrastructure spending. The campaign has also generated debate over the future of municipal services, including concerns about potential privatization.

With fewer than seven days remaining before the vote, both candidates are seeking to consolidate their support in a race that could reshape the political direction of Canada’s largest city.