A former provincial cabinet minister, councillor, trustee and nephew of Premier Doug Ford has announced he will not run in the October mayoral election.
Michael Ford, who most recently served in the provincial parliament, released a statement Thursday confirming he would not seek to succeed Olivia Chow as Toronto’s next mayor.
“After a very long and thoughtful discussion with my immediate family, I have decided not to seek my candidacy for mayor of Toronto in the 2026 municipal election,” Ford wrote in a statement sent to Global News.
Get daily national news
Get Canada’s daily news delivered to your inbox so you never miss the top news of the day.
“I love Toronto and have always had a passion for public service. I will remain very active in the city I love and lend my support in any way that makes Toronto a safer, more affordable and world-class city.”
Coun. Brad Bradford, who ran in 2023, has declared his intention to run for mayor, while Chow, the current mayor, has yet to indicate in any way whether she will run again.
Former Mayor John Tory dropped out of the race last monthconfirming that he would not seek the post he resigned from three years ago.
The elections will be held at the end of October.
© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
