Councillor Nunziata says re-election campaign continues despite reports of withdrawal
Frances Nunziata, the longest-serving member of Toronto city council, issued a statement Friday denying rumours she is dropping out ahead of the October 26 election.
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Frances Nunziata, Toronto's longest-serving city councillor, said Friday that she is continuing her re-election campaign, contradicting reports that she planned to withdraw from the race.
"I do not comment on rumours. I continue to canvass. My campaign remains unchanged," Nunziata said in a statement issued Friday by her campaign. Reports indicated Thursday that according to two sources, Nunziata was expected to announce her withdrawal on Friday. The councillor's campaign has not confirmed the Friday date or addressed the basis for that reporting.
Nunziata has represented South York–Weston since 1997 and has been speaker of Toronto city council since 2010, chairing council debate for more than 15 years. Prior to the 1998 amalgamation, she served as mayor of York from 1994 to 1997 and as a City of York councillor from 1988 to 1994.
Her re-election bid comes after a close contest in the last municipal election. Chiara Padovani fell just 94 votes short of unseating her. Padovani is running again this year. The municipal election is set for October 26, 2026.
The facts
When is the Toronto municipal election?
The municipal election is set for October 26, 2026.
How long has Frances Nunziata served on Toronto city council?
Frances Nunziata has represented South York–Weston since 1997.
How close was the last municipal election in Nunziata's ward?
Chiara Padovani fell 94 votes short of unseating Nunziata in the previous municipal election.
