Monday’s municipal elections in Ontario brought quite a few surprises, including the loss of longtime Milton mayor Gord Krantz, who had been at the helm for over 40 years. Voters also opted for new leadership in Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton, Niagara Falls, and various other locations.
In Toronto, things remained steady as incumbent mayor Olivia Chow managed to overcome an initial setback to win decisively against challenger Brad Bradford.
It was a quick night for those watching the polls in Brampton, where incumbent mayor Patrick Brown achieved a strong majority amid a field of 12 candidates.
Unexpected results from the 2026 Ontario municipal election
Some outcomes were rather unexpected, particularly in Mississauga where several well-known political figures were competing for the position.
Let’s take a look at some of southern Ontario’s most significant election results, featuring upsets and surprising developments in Hamilton.
New Mississauga Mayor Promises Transit Upgrades and Crime Reduction
Alvin Tedjo, previously a city councillor in Mississauga, pulled off an unexpected victory against incumbent mayor Carolyn Parrish and former mayor Bonnie Crombie.
The newly elected mayor has committed to improving infrastructure to cut commute times, tackling auto thefts head-on, and assisting homeowners dealing with rising property taxes.
“People just want to have more control over their own lives,” Tedjo stated in a campaign video shared on You Tube on election day.
During his victory speech reported by City News, Tedjo recognized that the upcoming four years would be challenging but promised “a better future for the people of our city.”
“I love this city so much and as your mayor, I can’t wait to start implementing our plan to create that better future for every single resident here in Mississauga,” Tedjo expressed. “Together, we will build the best city in Canada.”
Tedjo also took time to thank his rivals – including Parrish, Crombie and Dipika Damerla – for their dedicated service to the community.
Parrish has been a long-time former Liberal MP who became Mississauga’s mayor back in 2024. She was among the frontrunners alongside Crombie, who served as mayor from 2014 until 2024 before resigning to lead the Ontario Liberal Party. Parrish and Crombie ended up second and third respectively.
Damerla finished fourth after her time on council.
Astonishing Mayoral Defeat in Hamilton: Loomis Surpasses Cooper and Incumbent Horwath
Loomis, president and CEO of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction and ex-president of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce nearly tripled Horwath’s vote count. Horwath came in third place by quite a distance.
The challenger Rob Cooper, who previously served as suburban city councillor finished second but was around 10 thousand votes behind Loomis.
In remarks shared by during his victory speech, Loomis highlighted his comeback story following his narrow defeat to Horwath four years ago. He expressed gratitude towards Horwath for her many years serving politically including her role as both councillor and leader of the Ontario NDP. He also acknowledged his fellow opponents for engaging him throughout this race.
Loomis committed himself to advocating for steelworkers and their families while addressing recent news about potential layoffs affecting up to 500 workers at Stelco.
“My pledge is to bring business leaders together with labor representatives along with all levels of government so that support from Ottawa and Queen’s Park reaches those families needing it,” Loomis said.Loomis noted that pressing issues like homelessness or escalating property taxes took years developing but could require “many years” before solutions are seen; however he promised action starting Day One.
“This is an incredible opportunity mixed with immense responsibility,” Loomis said confidently. “Look what we’ve built together! Now let’s work towards restoring hope across every corner within our city.”
Krantz Out After Long Tenure; George Minakakis Takes Over Milton
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. minakakis touted corporate skills vowing improved local economic conditions during victory remarks thanking Krantz’ decades-long commitment beginning when first elected onto council back into ’65!. minakakis pledged maintaining town status without elevating it into city’s level returning traditional July celebrations complete with fireworks events!.“What resonated was heading toward era marked growth,” he told supporters via Milton Canadian Champion source!< b>. Krantz held office continuously spanning roughly46years – longer than Hazel Mc Callion did once leading Mississauga effectively setting precedents latterly retired voluntarily post36years’ reign !Aft erwards thanked residents expressing self-awareness acknowledging following suit alongside multiplemayoral incumbents notably ousted throughout places like Oakville or Mississaugabecame evident early Monday evening!</ b>“Instead me retiring gracefully citizens seemed decide upon proper timing – perhaps theywere right suggestingso. I believe I laid good foundation entire town.” < b>
