Do Blue Rodeo or Rush have the power to change the game in Toronto?
It might seem unlikely, but both candidates for mayor in Toronto are actively seeking endorsements from well-known figures as the competition heats up, hoping that support from rock stars, former politicians, and current MPs can provide them with a crucial advantage.
“You’re not going to win or lose your campaign based on a handful or one endorsement,” said Blue Knox, a political strategist and John Tory’s former director of communications.
“But for a lot of voters, endorsements are a proxy for values.”
Throughout the race for mayor, both incumbent Olivia Chow and challenger Brad Bradford have gained support from various local personalities and politicians.
Among these endorsements, Bradford has secured Geddy Lee from Rush, while Chow proudly highlights Jim Cuddy from Blue Rodeo, who performed at her campaign kickoff.
Experts indicate that while endorsements alone usually don’t determine how people vote, recognizable names can help build momentum and expand candidates’ outreach to new audiences.
The impact of endorsements
Bradford’s campaign features a dedicated section on its website showcasing endorsements from current and former politicians along with local businesses.
On the other hand, Chow has received backing from several unions. Recently, she accepted an endorsement from construction union LIUNA Local 183.
Knox noted that support from distinct groups can energize voters who resonate with their principles.
“If I am somebody who believes strongly in education and that is the issue that matters the most to me when I’m voting, I would maybe see what the education organizations are saying, who they’re supporting,” she said.
“Just like if I owned a small business in Toronto … and I wasn’t too plugged into the campaign, I might look around me to see what the local BIAs are supporting, what the board of trade is supporting and which candidates they’re supporting.”
Getting the word out
Since many endorsements in Toronto’s mayoral contest come from those within politics, their backing doesn’t always reach a wide audience immediately.
Instead, it falls on candidates to promote these endorsements themselves.
Harneet Singh, managing principal at EOK Consults, mentioned that accumulating endorsements and announcing them during campaigns can signal progress – which helps broaden their message.
“I think endorsements do one good thing; that is to show momentum when it comes to a candidate like Brad Bradford,” he explained.
“You want to show that you are not only catering to one side of the political coalition. So having endorsements from Liberal MPs and then of course Conservative MPs always helps.”
Knox shared her experience in political campaigning by stating that being able to list off endorsements creates an impression of a “winning team” for supporters and volunteers alike.
“From a campaign perspective , th e more you have people saying , ‘ We love your candidate , we love you , we want you t o be elected ,’ th e better , ” she said. p >
“ You want people singing your praises f rom every corner i n every way f rom every organization. Th e more people you have showing support for you an d your candidate , th e more momentum. ” p >
That momentum could be especially important at this moment when t he race is getting closer – with new data showing advance voting i s up over 70 percent compared t o 2023. p >
The latest poll by Liaison Strategies shows Chow leading with 51 percent among decided an d leaning voters while polling at 46 percent. p >
Liberal MPs divided on endorsing
A notable aspect o f this election cycle i s how serving Liberal MPs within Mark Carney’s government seem split on their endorsements. p >
“You have folks who typically look to party stripe f or how to support; they’re kind o f split between th e mayoral candidates,” Knox remarked regarding Liberal endorsements. p >
“Then folks need to dig deeper; that’s where some additional endorse ment s will be helpful f or voters.” pd>WATCH | CBC’s mayoral debate recap , with Brad Bradford an d Olivia Chow going head-to-head :Chow vs. Bradford: CBC Toronto’s mayoral debate in three minutesBicycle lanes , property taxes an d public safety were all discussed as Olivia Chow an d Brad Bradford faced off at CBC Toronto’s mayoral debate. Here’s everything y ou missed i n less than three minutes.
Singh pointed out that w ithout clear division among party members , both Bradford an d Chow aim ed to connect w ith loyal constituents who may back successful L iberal MPs locally as well. pd >
“Just being a L iberal MP isn’t enough ; y ou’re looking for strong local branding too,” he added.”The goal for any candidate should be tapping into local networks an d grassroots efforts (to help encourage voter turnout). ”
David Valentin fr om Liaison Strategies believes endorsement effects carry more weight during council races rather than on th e mayor’s ballot. pd >
“At th e mayoral level there are advantages too , but they’re definitely smaller,” he stated. pd >
Valentin added that having Liberal MPs publicly back competing candidates could lead potential confusion amongst voters. pd >
“Liberal MPs’ endorsing multiple sides creates conflicting signals,” he noted.”So if you’re aligned with Liberals you’ll encounter mixed messages right now.” PD>The re are another fifty individuals aiming fo r position as T oronto’s next Mayor; you can find th e full list here.
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