Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow announced Monday morning that she will run for re-election this October.
Chow’s decision to rerun for the city’s top job ends months of speculation around whether the mayor would seek a second term. Chow was elected to power after winning the 2023 byelection following John Tory’s resignation.
When speaking about why she’s seeking re-election, Chow says there are things that she started that she wants to finish such as lowering development charges so more housing can be built.
However, she told reporters that her campaign won’t begin until the fall.
“My focus right now is delivering the services that the people of Toronto asked me to do… there’s plenty of time in the fall, the election is six months away,” she said.
Since taking office, Chow has positioned herself as mayor focused on affordability, public safety and rebuilding city services after years of what she called “austerity” at city hall.
Chow’s administration has highlighted moves like freezing TTC fares for a third straight year, expanding CaféTO, increasing recreation access for locals and securing a financial “new deal” with the province that shifted responsibility for the Gardiner Expressway to Ontario.
However, the Toronto mayor’s first term hasn’t been without criticism. Chow has faced backlash over repeated police budget increases, housing debates at city hall and her handling of contentious issues including the Israel-Gaza conflict and the renaming of Sankofa Square.
The Brandon Gonez Show asked Canadians what their reactions are to Chow’s announcement.
“I think she’s doing a good job on my end. I like the, I like the fact that she is always part of the diverse community in terms of being at these different festivals, hearing what the people has to say,” says Canadian J.M.
“But one thing I have to say, she needs to address housing a little bit more in terms of the cost of rent, and the cost of living. It’s going up, so that is something I need her to work on definitely,” he adds.
Others have voiced their concerns on the current state of Toronto, wanting to see more of a difference.
“I mean, I love to see change, but if she does want to run again, like it’s her time to prove that she’s worth the job,” Grace W. tells The Brandon Gonez Show. “She’s very in touch with the communities, but there are a lot of changes that the city needs that she’s been falling behind on.”
Polls show Chow in the lead
Chow’s announcement comes as recent polling indicates she is leading the race. A poll by Liaison Strategies, released on May 14, found that among decided voters, Chow would receive 50 per cent of the vote if the election were held today.
Her closest competitor, Bradford, trails at 30 per cent among decided voters.
When all voters are included, the survey shows Chow with 38 per cent support, compared with 28 per cent for Bradford.
“She’s definitely a vote for me. She’s out there in the streets, so yes, I’m here for her. I love her energy,” Canadian King K tells The Brandon Gonez Show.
