Incumbent Martin Ritsma holds the leading position in the Stratford, Ontario mayoral race ahead of the October 26 vote, supported by his first-term record on infrastructure and intergovernmental partnerships. Five certified candidates are contesting the seat, including councillors Jo-Dee Burbach and Mark Hunter, 2022 runner-up Robert Ritz, and resident Andrew Rea. A September 23 all-candidates debate centered on housing supply and density options, highlighting differing approaches to provincial targets and municipal land use. Ritsma’s incumbency and recent campaign filings reinforce trader consensus around his position, while the competitive field of experienced challengers keeps probabilities closely balanced pending further polling or late campaign developments.