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With John Tory out, early polling shows competitive race between Chow and Bradford

In a direct contest between Chow and Bradford, the councillor appears competitive. But a crowded race would likely benefit Chow.

Published Mar 5, 2026 at 2:01pm

Barbara Patrocinio

With John Tory out, early polling shows competitive race between Chow and Bradford

Ont Toronto Advance Voting 20230608 Toronto mayoral candidates Josh Matlow, left to right, Olivia Chow, Mitzie Hunter, Brad Bradford, Mark Saunders and Ana Bailao take the stage at a mayoral debate in Scarborough, Ont. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. Advance voting in Toronto's mayoral contest has opened, inaugurating the final stretch of the campaign with just over two weeks left before election day.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Toronto’s 2026 mayoral race is beginning to take shape, and early polling suggests it could become a close contest between incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow and city councillor Brad Bradford.

For months, Toronto politics revolved around a single question: whether former mayor John Tory would attempt a comeback in the October election. That uncertainty ended this week when Tory confirmed he will not run again.

New polling conducted in late January by Abacus Data suggests the contest could be competitive.

With John Tory out, early polling shows competitive race between Chow and Bradford

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