Frances Nunziata issues written statement calling withdrawal reports false
The Ward 5 York South-Weston councillor published a statement Saturday saying reports she would leave the race are categorically false, and warned the claims could mislead voters during advance polling.
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Ward 5 councillor Frances Nunziata issued a formal written statement Saturday calling reports that she would leave the Toronto 2026 race categorically false. CityNews Toronto reported the statement late Saturday evening.
"Any suggestion or report indicating otherwise is categorically false," Nunziata wrote, according to CityNews. She said she has absolutely no intention of withdrawing from the race.
What she said
Nunziata said she was deeply disappointed in what she called false information about her candidacy. She raised a specific concern about timing: the reports had circulated during the advance polling period, which she said had the potential to mislead voters. Advance voting in Toronto runs through October 11, 2026.
She ended the statement by saying she remains fully engaged in the campaign and looks forward to earning voters' confidence and support on election day.
What the earlier reports said
On Friday October 9, CityNews Toronto reported that sources said Nunziata would be leaving the Ward 5 race. The Toronto Sun carried a similar report the same day. Nunziata did not address those reports directly on Friday.
In the Friday reports, neither outlet said it had heard from Nunziata directly. On Friday, Nunziata's team issued a brief note saying her campaign was unchanged. Saturday's written statement called the reports false and named the advance polling period as a reason the claims were harmful.
Nunziata's record in Ward 5
CityNews reported that Nunziata has represented York South-Weston since 1997 and is the longest-serving member of Toronto City Council. She has served as Speaker of the council since 2010. Her closest challenger this year is Chiara Padovani, who lost to Nunziata by 94 votes in the last election.
What Ward 5 voters can do
If you are voting in Ward 5 York South-Weston, advance voting runs through October 11, 2026. You can confirm the current certified candidate list at toronto.ca/elections. Election day is October 26. See all Ward 5 candidates at /on/toronto-2026/races/councillor/ward-5-york-south-weston.
Questions this story answers
Is Frances Nunziata still running in Ward 5 York South-Weston?
Yes. Nunziata issued a formal written statement on Saturday October 10, 2026 saying she has absolutely no intention of withdrawing from the race and that any report claiming otherwise is categorically false. CityNews Toronto reported the statement the same evening. You can see her candidate page at /on/toronto-2026/candidates/frances-nunziata.
What exactly did Nunziata say in her statement?
According to CityNews Toronto, Nunziata said she has absolutely no intention of withdrawing from the race and that any suggestion or report indicating otherwise is categorically false. She said she was deeply disappointed in what she called false information about her candidacy. She ended by saying she remains fully engaged in the campaign and looks forward to earning the confidence and support of voters on election day.
Why was Nunziata concerned about the timing of the reports?
Nunziata specifically raised the timing in her statement. She said the reports circulated during the advance polling period, which she said had the potential to mislead voters. Advance voting in Toronto runs from October 6 to October 11. A voter who had seen the withdrawal reports and decided not to cast a ballot for Nunziata would be acting on false information.
What reports did Nunziata call false?
On Friday October 9, CityNews Toronto reported that sources said Nunziata would be leaving the Ward 5 race. The Toronto Sun carried a similar report the same day. Nunziata did not address those reports directly on Friday but issued her written statement on Saturday October 10 calling them categorically false. The earlier articles are described in the voche.me report at /on/toronto-2026/news/frances-nunziata-denies-withdrawal-reports-october-9.
How long has Frances Nunziata represented Ward 5?
Nunziata has been the councillor for York South-Weston since 1997. CityNews Toronto reported she is the longest-serving member of Toronto City Council. She has served as Speaker of the council since 2010. If she wins on October 26, 2026 it will extend a run that began before the City of Toronto was created by amalgamation.
Who is running against Nunziata in Ward 5?
Chiara Padovani is Nunziata's closest challenger in Ward 5 York South-Weston. Padovani lost to Nunziata by 94 votes in the previous election. CityNews Toronto described the ward as expected to be a close race. You can see all certified candidates in Ward 5 at /on/toronto-2026/races/councillor/ward-5-york-south-weston.
Does advance voting continue in Ward 5?
Advance voting in Toronto runs from October 6 to October 11, 2026. Ward 5 York South-Weston voters who have not yet voted can check the current certified candidate list at toronto.ca/elections. Voting day is October 26, 2026. You can find your voting location through the City of Toronto's elections site.
Where can I find the certified list of candidates for Ward 5?
The City of Toronto publishes the certified candidate list at toronto.ca/elections. This list is the official record of who is on the ballot. You can also see all Ward 5 York South-Weston candidates on this site at /on/toronto-2026/races/councillor/ward-5-york-south-weston. The voche.me page for Frances Nunziata is at /on/toronto-2026/candidates/frances-nunziata.
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