Marilyn Crawford holds a commanding lead in the Ajax mayoral race due to her extensive record in local and regional governance, including multiple terms as Deputy Mayor, re-election as Ward 1 Regional Councillor with over 80 percent support in 2022, and board roles with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Following incumbent Mayor Shaun Collier’s decision not to seek another term, her decades of public service, community meetings, and focus on growth, safety, and affordability have consolidated trader consensus around her as the strongest candidate among five contenders. Her established name recognition and executive experience create significant barriers for challengers. Late shifts could still occur through unusually low turnout, last-minute scandals, or strong regional coordination among opponents, though no such developments have emerged in the final weeks.