Drew Dilkens, the incumbent mayor since 2014, recently confirmed his bid for a fourth and final term just before the August 21 nomination deadline, solidifying his position as the frontrunner in the October 26, 2026, first-past-the-post election. His long tenure and recent announcement have anchored trader consensus around his re-election prospects. Fred Francis, a three-term Ward 1 councillor and brother of a former mayor, represents the primary challenge with established local name recognition, though he trails notably. A crowded field of additional candidates, including several with prior runs or council experience, fragments opposition support without emerging as viable threats. No public polling has surfaced to alter these dynamics ahead of the vote.