The Municipal (Re)Run Down
Should incumbents have a responsibility to declare their plans for this election?
While I suspect that it’s not on the radar of most people yet, (nerdy) folks like me have already long been thinking about the 2026 municipal election. Those considering running in this year’s election in October, can begin to file their nomination papers on May 1st.
As someone who has run (and lost) in a municipal election, I believe there are a number of factors that one considers when contemplating running for elected office. One very practical consideration is who currently occupies the seat and whether they are likely to run again.
We know that incumbents have a strong advantage when running against new candidates. Additionally, when an incumbent is running, we see fewer people throw their names into the hat, potentially leaving voters with less choice, or worse, with no choice at all and leaving a seat to be acclaimed.
With all of that in mind, I have often thought that current elected officials should announce as early as possible what their intentions are in an election year. This allows potential candidates to better understand what the political landscape may look like if they do run. I also think that any elected officials who have been in that role for two or more terms, need to make it very clear why they are running again and not stepping aside for new voices. Personally, I’d also want to know what they have been doing to support others interested in local politics.
Fortunately, a few candidates seem to be of like-mind, as they have already announced that they will not be seeking re-election in the 2026 municipal election. Both Jen Vasic (Waterloo, ward 5) and Royce Bodaly (Waterloo, ward 2), have announced that they will not be seeking a third term. While I was disappointed to hear that, as I see both of them as passionate and hard-working councillors, I appreciate them announcing their plans early.
Councillor Vasic announced her plans this past December, saying she was doing so early because “I want to give anyone who is considering a run the time and space to genuinely explore it. There’s no better moment than the reflective stretch of the holidays and the quiet focus of winter to let that idea settle.” In classic ‘Jen Vasic’ style, Jen also offers support to those considering running, “I’m more than happy to talk with those contemplating a run. If you’d like to hear about my experience campaigning or serving on council, please reach out. I’d be glad to share what I’ve learned.”
Jen discusses this, and a number of other personal and professional projects with Marinus De Groot on Promenade. Click to listen.
Last month, Royce Bodaly made a similar announcement, saying, “I am making this announcement now, in the hopes that this provides a sufficient amount of time for someone else who may be considering running this fall to prepare.” And like Jen Vasic, Royce also offers to meet with those who may want to run, “Particularly if you are a young, progressive candidate that is looking to understand my experiences running for office and working at city hall, I would absolutely consider it a privilege to meet and chat.”
That still leaves a lot of current councillors who have yet to announce. I want to focus on those who have served at least two terms—and there’s a lot of them!
Councillors who have served multiple terms on council:
Jan Liggett: Mayor 2022-present; Council 2014-2022
Mike Devine: 2014-present
Nicholas Ermeta: 2010-present
Berry Vrbanovic: Mayor 2014-present, Council 1994-2014
Scott Davey (ward 1): 2010-present
Dave Schnider (ward 2): 2014-present
Christine Michaud (ward 4): 2018-present
Paul Singh (ward 6): 2010-present
Bil Ioannidis (ward 7): 2010-present
Margaret Johnston (ward 8): 2018-present
Debbie Chapman (ward 9): 2018-present
Sandra Hanmer (ward 1): 2018-present
Royce Bodaly (ward 2): 2018-present (not running again)
Diane Freeman (ward 4): 2006-present
Jen Vasic (ward 5): 2018-present (not running again)
Karen Redman (Chair): 2018-present
Doug Craig (Cambridge): 2022-present, Cambridge mayor 2000-2018
Jim Erb (Waterloo): 2018-present
Sue Foxton (North Dumfries): Mayor 2014-present, Council 2000-2014
Michael Harris (Kitchener): 2018-present, MPP 2011-2018
Joe Nowak (Wellesley): Mayor 2014-present, Council 2006-2014
Sandy Shantz (Woolwich): Mayor 2014-present
If your municipal/regional councillor is running again, what questions would you have for them? Feel free to share them in the comments. Here are my top questions:
Why are you running again?
What goals did you have when you first ran? Have you met them? If not, why?
What do you hope to achieve this term that’s different from previous terms?
What are you doing to foster new candidates?
If you’re considering running this fall, check out this handy guide from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
Also, here’s a song about democracy from Raffi. And, let’s be honest, who of us can’t use a little more Raffi in our lives?
Have other current elected officials announced their plans that I missed? If so, comment below!
I agree incumbents should speak early about their plans. Back in my youth I ran (and lost) in a couple of elections because it appeared no one else was running against the incumbent in my ward. I am not a fan of folks winning by acclamation. I had no real hope of winning, I simply thought it was important that a debate happen, and democracy appear to happen.
By running I also became visible to municipal government, and asked if I would serve on a number of citizens committees at the regional and city level. That was eye-opening, educational, and a whole lot of fun. So long ago.
Sadly, the issues from 30 years ago are pretty much still here. Water, housing, effective transportation, good governance…
The advantages incumbents have can be a problem, but I'm against trying to level the playing field through term limits. We, the voters, should be allowed to decide whether or not a proven track record built over years of experience is preferable over fresh energies and new perspectives. But I do think candidates seeking re-election should be evaluated primarily on their track records dealing with issues, concerns and possibilities as representatives of their constituencies over time. What they have actually said and done, and how they voted in various areas of public interest and concern should count far more than what they say they stand for and pledge to do in the future. Meanwhile, promising candidates who step forward as willing to serve for the first time deserve ample attention so we can get a sense of who they are and what they are capable of, and so they can get a better sense of the community they hope to serve and represent.