Olivia Chow Maintains Significant Lead in Toronto Mayoral Race According to New Poll
With six months remaining until the municipal elections in Toronto, new polling data indicates that Mayor Olivia Chow is holding a substantial 11-point advantage over her closest competitor. The survey, conducted by Liaison Strategies, provides a detailed snapshot of the current political landscape in Canada's largest city.
Polling Numbers Reveal Clear Front-Runner
The poll, released on Friday, shows that among decided voters, 46% would choose Olivia Chow if the election were held today. Her main challenger, City Councillor Brad Bradford, garners 35% support, while Anthony Furey receives 11%, and 6% would back another candidate. However, a significant 26% of voters remain undecided, which could heavily influence the outcome as election day approaches.
"Mayor Chow continues to dominate in the downtown core and among older residents, but Brad Bradford has effectively tied her among voters aged 18-34 and holds a lead in Etobicoke," said David Valentin, Principal at Liaison Strategies. "The city is also perfectly split on its trajectory, with an equal number of residents believing Toronto is moving in the right versus the wrong direction."
Regional Support and Approval Ratings
Olivia Chow's approval rating currently stands at 56%, with a 40% disapproval rate. Her support is strongest in the downtown core, where she achieves a 67% approval rating. Conversely, she faces challenges in Etobicoke, where only 32% of residents express support for her leadership.
Brad Bradford, who has served on Toronto City Council for eight years, has experienced a notable surge in support, particularly following former mayor John Tory's announcement that he would not seek re-election. Bradford's highest support comes from Etobicoke at 43%, while Scarborough shows the lowest at 33%.
City Direction and Voter Sentiment
The poll also examined residents' perceptions of Toronto's direction. Results show an even split, with 48% believing the city is moving in the right direction and 48% feeling it is on the wrong track, while 3% are unsure. This marks a shift from earlier in the year, when slightly more respondents approved of the city's trajectory.
The survey was conducted between April 12 and April 13, 2026, among 1,000 Canadians, with a margin of error of ±3.1%, 19 times out of 20. As the election draws nearer, these numbers highlight the competitive nature of the race and the potential for shifts in voter allegiance.
