Full Breakdown
Olivia Chow Holds Double-Digit Lead in Toronto Mayoral Poll
9/9/2026, 11:36:18 PM
Core Event
A poll conducted by Liaison Strategies at the start of the Labour Day weekend shows incumbent mayor Olivia Chow leading the Toronto mayoral race with 50 % support among decided and leaning voters. Challenger Brad Bradford trails at 39 %, while former MP Chris Alexander holds 11 % (Liaison Strategies poll). The survey also reveals regional variations: Chow leads downtown 60 % to 30 %, North York 53 % to 36 %, and Scarborough 51 % to 38 %; Bradford’s strongest area is Etobicoke, where he leads Chow 56 % to 33 % (same poll).
Data & Statistics
- City-wide support: Chow 50 %, Bradford 39 %, Alexander 11 % (decided/leaning voters).
- Regional leads: Downtown 60 % vs 30 %; North York 53 % vs 36 %; Scarborough 51 % vs 38 %; Etobicoke Bradford 56 % vs 33 % for Chow.
- Direction of the city: 47 % think Toronto is heading in the right direction, 48 % say it is heading the wrong way, 5 % are unsure.
- Property-tax preferences: 34 % want a freeze or reduction even if services are cut; 20 % favor an increase that is slower than inflation.
- Election timing: The municipal election is scheduled for late October.
Official Statements & Responses
The study’s authors note that the race remains competitive regionally, with Bradford’s strength concentrated in Etobicoke.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The mayoral ballot is stable, but it has settled in a better place for Olivia Chow than for her challengers,” — David Valentin, principal at Liaison
The poll’s release coincides with Chow’s upcoming official campaign launch, while Bradford announced his campaign intentions nearly a year earlier. The findings suggest that, despite overall stability, regional dynamics could influence voter decisions as the October election approaches.
