---
title: "Frances Nunziata issues written statement calling withdrawal reports false"
description: "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."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/on/toronto-2026/news/frances-nunziata-written-statement-october-10"
last_updated: "2026-10-11T03:14:35.045Z"
---

Ward 5 councillor [Frances Nunziata](/on/toronto-2026/candidates/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](/on/toronto-2026/races/councillor/ward-5-york-south-weston).

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