Frances Nunziata denies reports she is leaving the Ward 5 race
CityNews and the Toronto Sun reported sources say the long-serving York South-Weston councillor would drop out Friday. Nunziata said her campaign is unchanged.
Reported. A news outlet found this. voche.me names the outlet and links its report. Read the original report on toronto.citynews.ca.
CityNews Toronto reported Friday that sources told the outlet long-time Ward 5 councillor Frances Nunziata would drop out of the October 26 race. The Toronto Sun reported the same day that a source said she was expected to announce her withdrawal. Nunziata denied it: her campaign issued a statement saying, "I do not comment on rumours. I continue to canvass. My campaign remains unchanged."
No withdrawal has been filed with the City Clerk as of October 9, 2026.
What the reports said
CityNews said it had not heard back from Nunziata at the time of publication. The Toronto Sun said its source expected an announcement on Friday. Neither outlet said it had confirmation directly from the councillor or her campaign team before the stories went out. Nunziata's campaign said she would make no further comment beyond the denial.
The Toronto Star confirmed the denial in a separate report published the same evening, quoting the same statement.
Nunziata's history in Ward 5
Nunziata has held elected office since 1985 and has been a Toronto councillor since the city was created by amalgamation in 1998. She has served as Speaker of Toronto City Council since 2010, under mayors Olivia Chow, John Tory, and Rob Ford. A win on October 26 would be her ninth term on the amalgamated council.
Her closest challenger this year is Chiara Padovani, a tenant advocate who lost to Nunziata by 94 votes in the 2022 election.
What Ward 5 voters can do
Advance voting in Toronto is open from October 6 to October 11 at City-run locations. If you live in Ward 5 York South-Weston, you can check the current certified candidate list at toronto.ca/elections before you vote. If a withdrawal is filed, the City Clerk updates the list. See all candidates running in Ward 5 at /on/toronto-2026/races/councillor/ward-5-york-south-weston.
Questions this story answers
Is Frances Nunziata still running in Ward 5?
As of October 9, 2026, Nunziata says she is still running. She issued a statement that day: 'I do not comment on rumours. I continue to canvass. My campaign remains unchanged.' CityNews and the Toronto Sun each reported that sources said she would drop out on Friday, but no withdrawal was announced. You can check the current certified candidate list at the City of Toronto's elections page at toronto.ca/elections or see her profile at /on/toronto-2026/candidates/frances-nunziata.
Who reported that Nunziata might drop out?
CityNews Toronto reported Friday, citing sources, that Nunziata would withdraw from the Ward 5 race. The Toronto Sun also carried a report citing a source saying she was expected to announce her departure that day. Neither outlet said it had confirmation directly from Nunziata or her campaign at the time of publication.
What did Nunziata say?
Nunziata's campaign issued a statement to the Toronto Star on October 9: 'I do not comment on rumours. I continue to canvass. My campaign remains unchanged.' She added she would make no further comment. The statement does not address the sources behind the withdrawal reports.
How long has Frances Nunziata held the Ward 5 seat?
Nunziata has been a Toronto councillor since 1998, when the City of Toronto was created by amalgamation. She has held elected office since 1985. If re-elected on October 26, 2026, it would be her ninth term on the amalgamated council. She has also served as Speaker of Toronto City Council since 2010.
Who are the other candidates in Ward 5 York South-Weston?
Chiara Padovani, a tenant advocate, is running against Nunziata in Ward 5. Padovani lost to Nunziata by 94 votes in the 2022 election and is considered the highest-profile challenger this time. You can see the full list of candidates at /on/toronto-2026/races/councillor/ward-5-york-south-weston.
What happens if a candidate withdraws?
Under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, a candidate may withdraw from the election by filing a written notice with the City Clerk before voting begins. Advance voting in Toronto runs from October 6 to October 11, 2026. Election day is October 26, 2026. If a candidate withdraws, their name may still appear on some ballots depending on when the withdrawal is filed.
What is advance voting and where do I vote?
Advance voting in Toronto runs from October 6 to October 11, 2026 at City-run voting locations. Election day is October 26, 2026. You can find your voting location and check your registration at toronto.ca/elections. Ward 5 York South-Weston covers the area around Weston Road and Lawrence Avenue West in the city's northwest.
Where can I find more information about the Ward 5 race?
You can see all candidates certified to run in Ward 5 York South-Weston on this site at /on/toronto-2026/races/councillor/ward-5-york-south-weston. The City of Toronto's official election information is at toronto.ca/elections. For advance voting and registration questions, the City Clerk's office is the authoritative source.
Sources
The pages this story draws on. Open one to check a claim yourself.
Found an error? Tell the editors with the corrections form. A correction is noted on the story it changes. Read our standards.
Topics
More from voche.me
Amber Morley highlights first term record as she seeks Ward 3 re-election
