Chris Alexander has ended his campaign for mayor of Toronto just as advance voting begins, removing the former federal cabinet minister from an increasingly competitive municipal race.
Alexander announced the decision on Tuesday, October 6, shortly before Toronto’s six-day advance voting period opened.
The city’s advance polls run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Sunday, October 11.
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Chris Alexander leaves race before advance voting
Alexander entered the contest in July after building a campaign around housing, transit, economic growth and a broader push to improve how Toronto delivers services.
The Toronto-born former diplomat and Conservative MP had served as Canada’s minister of citizenship and immigration from 2013 to 2015.
Before entering federal politics, he was Canada’s ambassador to Afghanistan and later held a senior United Nations role in the country.
His mayoral campaign represented a return to elected politics after more than a decade away from public office.
Alexander had previously acknowledged that he could reconsider his candidacy if his support did not grow.
In September, he said he was not planning to leave the contest, but his campaign remained behind the two leading candidates in public polling.
What Alexander’s departure means for the ballot
Although Alexander has ended his campaign, his name is expected to remain on the ballot because Toronto’s deadline for withdrawing a municipal nomination was August 21 at 2 p.m.
Toronto Elections has said candidates cannot withdraw after the nomination period closes.
Voters should therefore check the official ballot and follow any instructions issued by the city before marking their choice.
The timing of the announcement adds an unusual complication because voting began on the same day.
Some voters may already have cast ballots before learning that Alexander was no longer actively campaigning.
Olivia Chow and Brad Bradford remain central figures
Alexander’s exit leaves incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Brad Bradford as the two most prominent contenders in the mayoral contest.
Chow is seeking another term after winning the 2023 mayoral byelection.
Bradford, a former Toronto city councillor and current provincial politician, has campaigned on issues including affordability, public safety, transportation and municipal management.
Alexander’s platform focused heavily on Toronto’s economic performance and the city’s ability to approve housing, improve transit and attract investment.
His withdrawal could affect the race if former supporters shift to another candidate, although the final impact will depend on individual voter decisions and turnout.
Toronto voters still have time to cast ballots
Advance voting continues from October 6 through October 11 at two voting locations in each of Toronto’s 25 wards.
Election day is Monday, October 26, with voting scheduled from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Eligible voters must be Canadian citizens who are at least 18 years old and meet Toronto’s residency or property-ownership requirements.
Voters can use the city’s MyVote service to confirm their registration, find their voting location and review acceptable identification.
The mayoral contest is being held alongside elections for city councillors and school board trustees.
Voters may vote only in the ward connected to their qualifying Toronto address.
Campaign questions remain after withdrawal
Alexander’s decision ends one of the more unexpected campaigns in the 2026 Toronto election.
His background in federal politics and international affairs gave the race a candidate with national-level experience, while his municipal platform emphasized practical changes at City Hall.
The immediate question is whether his departure changes the balance between Chow and Bradford during the final weeks of voting.
Because Alexander’s name is expected to remain printed on ballots, the announcement may not translate directly into a single bloc of votes for either remaining leading candidate.
Toronto voters will choose the city’s mayor on October 26, regardless of whether they vote during the advance period or on election day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Chris Alexander leave the Toronto mayoral race?
Alexander announced on October 6, 2026, that he was ending his mayoral campaign shortly before Toronto advance voting began.
Will Chris Alexander’s name still appear on the ballot?
It is expected to remain on the ballot because Toronto’s deadline to withdraw a municipal nomination was August 21, 2026.
When is advance voting in Toronto?
Advance voting runs from October 6 to October 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
When is Toronto election day?
Toronto’s 2026 municipal election will be held on Monday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Who are the main remaining candidates for Toronto mayor?
Incumbent Olivia Chow and Councillor Brad Bradford are the two leading remaining figures in the mayoral contest.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, candidate-withdrawal rules and voting information were checked against official City of Toronto election materials and campaign information.
Disclaimer: Election outcomes and the effect of Alexander’s withdrawal will depend on voter choices and turnout.