New Poll Shows Chow With Decisive Lead Over Bradford as Toronto Election Campaign Winds Down

Olivia Chow holds a decisive lead over Brad Bradford in the Toronto election, according to a new poll reported by Global News. The survey arrives alongside exclusive polling from CTV News and a report from ConstructConnect describing a tight Toronto mayoral contest in which Chow digs in while Bradford surges. As the campaign winds down in the 2026 mayoral race, the Toronto Star reported that both Chow and Bradford are continuing to land additional endorsements, though the publication questioned whether those endorsements will ultimately matter to voters.

Affordability and fiscal policy have remained central to Chow's platform and campaign messaging. According to CBC, Chow defended tax increases and stated that Toronto has "turned a corner" under her leadership. A profile by CP24 examined Chow's background as a long-time politician and former sculptor who is promising to "make life more affordable" for residents.

The two leading candidates have also confronted each other directly over the city's direction. NOW Toronto reported that Chow and Bradford clashed on key issues during a Toronto mayoral debate. Coverage of Bradford's campaign has varied across outlets. Yahoo News Canada shared an NP View piece arguing that Bradford offers relief for a "crime-ridden, high-cost Toronto." Meanwhile, The Grind Magazine reported that Bradford did not answer the publication and asked who the candidate is talking to during the campaign.

While much of the attention has focused on Chow and Bradford, CP24 reported that other Toronto mayoral candidates are urging voters to look beyond the front-runners when casting their ballots. Down-ballot contests and broader policy questions are also drawing scrutiny across the city and region. CTV News identified 9 ward races worth watching during Toronto's municipal election, while a Toronto Sun column by Kwiecinski highlighted concerns over red tape among small business voters. Looking at the wider region, The Narwhal questioned whether newly elected councils in the GTA will meet their climate targets, and the Toronto Star published a guide outlining when election day takes place and what residents need to know about voting in the 2026 mayoral race.