In a significant political development, former Toronto Mayor John Tory has publicly declared that he will not be a candidate in the upcoming fall municipal election. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the city's leadership landscape, as Tory had been contemplating a return to the mayoral race following his resignation in February 2023.
Background and Resignation
John Tory served as the mayor of Toronto from 2014 until his resignation in February 2023. His departure from office came after he admitted to having an affair with a city staffer, a scandal that rocked the municipal government and led to his stepping down. Since then, Tory had been weighing the possibility of re-entering politics to reclaim his former position.
Reasons for Not Running
In a heartfelt statement, the 71-year-old Tory explained that his choice to abstain from the election is primarily to protect his family and loved ones from the harsh realities of political life. He emphasized that he does not want to subject them to the inevitable personal attacks that have already begun to surface, even before he officially announced any intentions to run.
"I will not be running for mayor because I feel I cannot put my family and the people I care about through the inevitable attacks on me and my personal life that we've started to see before I've even announced my intentions," Tory stated. He added, "I'm not asking for you to feel sorry for me. I did hold myself to account by stepping down and I know that politics is a tough business — at times, brutal. What I'm asking for is your understanding."
Current Political Landscape
Following Tory's resignation, a mayoral byelection was held in June 2023, which was won by Olivia Chow. Chow, who is 68 years old, has not yet confirmed whether she will seek re-election in the fall. A recent poll by Mainstreet Research indicates that Chow leads Tory among decided and leaning voters, with 43% support compared to Tory's 34%.
Interestingly, the same poll revealed that a majority of Toronto voters, 54%, preferred the direction of the city under Tory's leadership, suggesting lingering public approval despite the controversy surrounding his resignation.
Other Potential Candidates
With Tory out of the race, other figures are emerging as contenders for the mayoral position. Councillor Brad Bradford, who represents Ward 19 Beaches–East York, has already announced his intention to run. According to the poll, Bradford currently holds 17% support among voters.
Additionally, Anthony Furey, a past candidate in mayoral elections, is also in the mix with 6% support. Tory has stated that he will not be endorsing any candidates, leaving the field open for these and other potential challengers.
Implications for Toronto
Tory's decision not to run adds a layer of uncertainty to the upcoming municipal election, as voters now face a race without one of the city's most prominent recent leaders. His focus on family protection highlights the personal toll that political careers can take, resonating with many in the public sphere.
As the election approaches, all eyes will be on whether Olivia Chow decides to run for re-election and how other candidates like Brad Bradford and Anthony Furey position themselves in the campaign. The outcome will shape Toronto's governance and policies in the years to come.
