Craig Hodge holds the strongest position in the Coquitlam mayoral race ahead of the October 17 general voting day, backed by the endorsement of outgoing Mayor Richard Stewart after 18 years in office and support from sitting councillors. As a 15-year incumbent councillor with high name recognition from prior elections, Hodge launched his campaign in late 2025 and has emphasized continuity on housing affordability, community facilities, and growth management. Trish Mandewo and Madhavee Inamdar, who switched from a council bid, represent the main declared challengers but trail in early visibility. Nominations closed September 11 with numerous additional candidates on the ballot, many low-profile, leaving the field fragmented in this first-past-the-post contest. Trader consensus reflects Hodge’s structural advantages from institutional backing and timing.