---
title: "Frances Nunziata denies reports she is leaving the Ward 5 race"
description: "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."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/on/toronto-2026/news/frances-nunziata-denies-withdrawal-reports-october-9"
last_updated: "2026-10-10T04:10:29.051Z"
---

CityNews Toronto reported Friday that sources told the outlet long-time Ward 5 councillor [Frances Nunziata](/on/toronto-2026/candidates/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](/on/toronto-2026/races/councillor/ward-5-york-south-weston).

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