Based on coverage from Global News, Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, The Hamilton Spectator, and Toronto Life.
Michael Ford, a former Ontario cabinet minister and Toronto councillor, says he will not run for mayor in Toronto’s next municipal election. The decision comes less than a month after he publicly said he was giving a run “strong and serious consideration.”
Ford's decision not to run comes amid ongoing discussions about Toronto's infrastructure and development, including the recent move by the Ontario Premier to expand Billy Bishop Airport, which has raised questions about urban planning and regulatory oversight in the city. For more on this topic, see our coverage of the airport expansion here.
In a statement carried by multiple outlets, Ford said that after “long and thoughtful consideration” with his family, he’s decided not to seek the job. He added that he plans to stay involved in public life and support efforts to make Toronto “more safe, affordable and world class.”
Michael Ford backs out of Toronto mayor race
Ford confirmed his decision Thursday in a written statement shared with outlets including Global News and CP24. He also thanked people who had encouraged him, saying “countless” residents across the city had reached out with support.
Ford is the nephew of Premier Doug Ford and the late former mayor Rob Ford. He most recently served as an MPP at Queen’s Park, and has also been a councillor and school board trustee.
One report also describes him as a former provincial cabinet minister, while another focuses on his role as a former MPP and former minister of citizenship and multiculturalism.
Doug Ford comments from Austin, Texas
Premier Doug Ford weighed in while in Austin, Texas, telling the Toronto Star that it was “probably the best decision” for his nephew.
The premier said Michael Ford is enjoying work in the private sector. The Star also reports Michael Ford has registered as a lobbyist at Toronto City Hall and has joined a PR firm run by former CBC host Travis Dhanraj.
The premier also offered friendly words about the possible shape of the race ahead, saying “Both good candidates,” referring to Michael Ford and incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow, and adding, “I get along very well with Olivia.”
Toronto mayoral election field narrows
With Michael Ford stepping aside, City councillor Brad Bradford is left as the only prominent declared candidate mentioned across the reports. Bradford, who represents Beaches East York, previously ran in 2023 and has said he intends to run again.
There had been some public chatter about the two potentially running at the same time. After Michael Ford first floated the idea of a campaign, photos surfaced of him having coffee in a hotel lobby with Bradford. Both described it as a friendly conversation about Toronto, without getting into details.
Meanwhile, Olivia Chow hasn’t said whether she’ll run again. Several reports note she’s expected to seek re-election, but as of now she hasn’t made a public commitment either way.
John Tory stays out after 2023 resignation
Another high-profile name is also off the board: former mayor John Tory. Reports say Tory ruled out a comeback last month, confirming he won’t run for the office he resigned from in 2023.
CP24 also details Tory’s reasoning. He cited privacy concerns tied to the fallout from the affair that led to his resignation, saying he wasn’t willing to risk hurting his family again. In a radio appearance, he said, “The woman I had a relationship with, I still have a relationship with,” referring to the City Hall employee involved.
Key dates for Toronto municipal nominations
One practical detail for anyone watching the slow build toward campaign season: nominations for the municipal election open May 1, according to the reporting.
For now, Toronto’s next mayoral race has more questions than answers, especially with Chow still quiet and major potential challengers like Michael Ford and John Tory choosing not to jump in. Brad Bradford is the clearest name on the board, and the rest of the field still has time to take shape.
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