brad bradford said he’s “all in on Toronto” on Wednesday after former mayor John Tory announced he will not run in October (ET); the councillor framed his campaign as a push to restore basic services. Tory, who resigned in February 2023 (ET) after a disclosed relationship with a staffer, said he “will not be running” because he cannot put his family through “the inevitable attacks” on his personal life. The development sharpens the front‑line choice for voters ahead of the fall municipal contest and sets the stage for a campaign focused on day‑to‑day city services.
Brad Bradford ‘all in’ for mayor’s race
Coun. Brad Bradford, Beaches — East York councillor, moved quickly to stake a claim on the centre‑right lane after Tory’s announcement. “I’m all in on Toronto, ” Bradford said while outlining what he calls a back‑to‑basics blueprint. “I think for a long time, City Hall has spread itself a mile wide and an inch deep and has continued to fall down on those basic services that make a difference in our day‑to‑day lives, ” he said, adding a series of rhetorical questions about ambition and standards for the city.
Bradford confirmed he will put his name on the ballot when registration opens on May 1 (ET). The councillor framed his pitch around fixing municipal routines voters notice every day rather than broad political fights, an argument he repeated in public remarks this week.
Why John Tory bowed out
John Tory said he gave another campaign “serious consideration” but ultimately concluded “I will not be running. ” He explained the decision by saying, “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 had resigned in February 2023 (ET) after media disclosure of a relationship with a woman who had worked in his office; an integrity commissioner later found he breached ethics rules in that handling.
Reaction from organized civic actors was immediate. Saman Tabasinejad, executive director, Progress Toronto, said, “This is a good news day, ” and signaled relief among some activists who had previously pursued the issue in public fora. Mayor Olivia Chow, asked about Tory’s choice, said she was focused on city priorities and thanked her predecessor for his years of service: “He loved this city. And of course, it’s his own decision. I think we’re very grateful for his service. ” Mayor Chow also said she remains committed to “working hard to make life affordable for Torontonians. “
What’s next
The immediate calendar is clear: registration for candidates opens May 1 (ET) and the municipal vote remains scheduled for the fall. With John Tory out, attention will center on who mounts a serious centre‑right alternative and whether the incumbent mayor will seek another term; Mayor Olivia Chow has not announced her intentions but is expected to contest the Oct. 26, 2026 (ET) vote. For now, brad bradford is positioning himself as a ready challenger and will press voters on municipal basics and service delivery as the campaign window opens.
