Olivia Chow launches re-election campaign with vision of 'hope over fear'

Mayor Olivia Chow formally kicked off her re-election campaign on Wednesday, September 9 at Danforth Music Hall, framing the race as a choice between "hope over fear" and laying out her vision for the city's future.

Chow painted two competing futures for Toronto. "We can choose to work together, support each other, and continue building the city we love. Where we build more housing and lower the cost of living. Where we decide our own future as Torontonians," Chow said. "Or we can go backwards. We could choose leaders who will starve our public spaces and cut our services. Divide us instead of bringing us together. That is not what I want."

Chow highlighted accomplishments under her administration: building new affordable housing units, freezing TTC fares, extending public library hours, and improving 911 response times. She also expanded healthy breakfast programs for students in public schools, a plan she said she and her late husband Jack Layton had mapped out 35 years earlier.

"Together Jack and I dreamed about a plan to feed every kid in every school in Toronto. We calculated how much it would cost. We mapped out a detailed plan," Chow said. "So it is with great joy, after 35 years, now as your mayor, finally, that program Jack and I dreamed of is a reality. In every classroom. In every school. For every child."

Chow, who grew up as an immigrant child in St. Jamestown, drew on her personal connection to the city's public spaces and opportunities. "I love kayaking on our lake. It will always be Lake Ontario! All of the opportunities I had growing up happened because our city made them possible," she said. She acknowledged the challenges ahead. "We have turned the corner, and we are feeling more optimistic. We have momentum. Now we have to keep that momentum going. Because these are not easy times. Trump and his tariffs create uncertainty and stress. Our world is rapidly changing around us. Everything is less affordable, for almost everyone."

The mayoral election is set for October 26, 2026. Chow is being challenged by city councillor Brad Bradford and former federal Conservative cabinet minister Chris Alexander.