Joy O'Donnell's strong local profile as a longtime community leader, Chamber of Commerce president, and 2025 Liberal candidate positions her as the frontrunner in the December 7, 2026 by-election for Brantford—Brant South. The riding became vacant after Conservative MP Larry Brock's September resignation, prompting Prime Minister Mark Carney to call the vote on November 1. Trader consensus reflects her established name recognition and the riding's improved Liberal performance in the prior general election. Conservative candidate Kevin Davis, appointed directly by party leadership in September, faces headwinds from the bypassed local nomination process that prompted an independent run by Dave Carrol. Other contenders including NDP's Brad Ward register minimal support amid focus on local priorities such as affordability and housing.