# Toronto mayoral election campaign > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/toronto-mayoral-election-campaign > Updated: 2026-10-05T20:21:16.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 6. The Toronto mayoral election campaign continues to intensify ahead of the October 26 vote, with fiscal management and affordability emerging as primary concerns. During a recent debate, candidates clashed over the city’s budget and property taxes. Challenger Brad Bradford maintained his criticism of incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow regarding the rise in property taxes, which he noted have increased by over 18 per cent in the last three years. Bradford pledged to freeze property taxes during his first year in office and promised to conduct a ‘line-by-line’ budget review. He also proposed adding 1,000 police officers and installing platform edge doors on the TTC. Chow defended her administration, stating she has worked to resolve a ‘budget mess’ left by previous council members. She criticized Bradford’s proposals by pointing to his previous role as vice-chair of the Budget Committee, stating he was part of the administration that left the city with a nearly $2 billion deficit. She indicated her intention to align future tax increases with inflation and proposed increased signal priority for the TTC to address congestion. Third-place candidate Chris Alexander criticized Bradford, arguing that the challenger’s promises for increased police presence and transit improvements cannot be funded through tax cuts alone. As the election nears, the race has shifted significantly following Alexander’s announcement that he is withdrawing from the contest, stating his ‘path to success was no longer clear.’ His departure leaves the upcoming debate at Toronto Metropolitan University to be contested only by Chow and Bradford. Meanwhile, Bradford has strengthened his position by securing endorsements from several Liberal MPs, including Vince Gasparro, Leslie Church, and Ali Ehsassi, joining a growing list of political supporters. ## Claims - Ontario Premier Doug Ford described his relationship with Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow as phenomenal. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Premier Ford urged observers to ‘read between the lines’ regarding his support for Chow. (single source) - Mayor Olivia Chow stated she has secured funding from provincial and federal governments for transit projects. (single source) - Polling from Liaison Strategies shows Chow at 50 per cent, Bradford at 39 per cent, and Alexander at 10 per cent. (single source) - Candidate Brad Bradford criticized the TTC under Chow, citing delay, dysfunction, and safety concerns. (single source) - Candidate Chris Alexander called Chow’s transit approach unsustainable and irresponsible. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-05: Toronto mayoral race shifts as Chris Alexander withdraws and Brad Bradford gains endorsements Chris Alexander has withdrawn from the Toronto mayoral race, while candidate Brad Bradford has secured endorsements from three additional Liberal MPs. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/toronto-mayoral-race-shifts-as-chris-alexander-withdraws-and-brad-bradford-gains-endorsements ### 2026-09-23: Toronto mayoral candidates debate property taxes and budget Toronto mayoral candidates Olivia Chow, Brad Bradford, and Chris Alexander debated property taxes, budget deficits, and transit improvements ahead of the upcoming municipal election. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/toronto-mayoral-candidates-debate-property-taxes-and-budget ### 2026-09-20: Toronto mayoral candidates clash over taxes and budget Toronto mayoral candidates Brad Bradford and Olivia Chow are debating property taxes and budget management as the October election approaches, with affordability cited as a top issue for voters. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bradford-accuses-toronto-mayor-chow-of-financial-mismanagement ### 2026-09-18: Ontario municipal elections: Campaign updates in Mississauga and Toronto As October 26 elections approach, Alvin Tedjo has announced a major campaign event in Mississauga, while new polling shows a tightening Toronto mayoral race between Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ontario-municipal-elections-campaign-updates-in-mississauga-and-toronto ### 2026-09-15: Toronto mayoral candidates debate transit and safety as Premier Ford signals support for Chow Toronto mayoral candidates Olivia Chow, Brad Bradford, and Chris Alexander debated transit and safety, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford signaled support for Chow, describing their relationship as ‘phenomenal’. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/toronto-mayoral-candidates-debate-transit-and-safety-as-premier-ford-signals-support-for-chow ### 2026-09-09: Olivia Chow leads Toronto mayoral race in new poll Incumbent Olivia Chow maintains a double-digit lead in Toronto mayoral polling, while advocacy groups like Progress Toronto and A Better City Toronto intensify their efforts to influence the October election. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olivia-chow-leads-toronto-mayoral-race-in-new-poll-1 --- Cite as: Toronto mayoral election campaign. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/toronto-mayoral-election-campaign