Olivia Chow maintains lead in Toronto mayoral race

A Liaison Strategies poll shows incumbent mayor Olivia Chow ahead of her challengers in Toronto. Among voters who have decided or are leaning, Chow holds 47% support, while city councillor Brad Bradford trails at 40%. When all voters are considered, Chow’s backing falls to 38% and Bradford’s to 32%.

Former federal cabinet minister and ex‑Afghanistan ambassador Chris Alexander, who entered the race on July 29, registers 10% support among decided voters and 8% overall. The poll notes that 61% of respondents are not familiar with Alexander, with only 14% holding a favourable view.

Analysts say Alexander’s entry could split the centre‑right vote, posing a problem for Bradford, whose numbers have slipped slightly in recent weeks.