Toronto Mayor John Tory Will Seek Third Term

John Tory confirmed Friday he'll run for a third term as Toronto's mayor in the next municipal election, making him the first high-profile politician to announce their candidacy.

"I am running for Mayor for another term because I believe Toronto needs an experienced leader who will continue to work hard with both the federal and provincial governments to ensure Toronto stays on track, and continue to work on making Toronto a more livable and more affordable place to live, to work and build a future," Tory said in a statement.

He said he made the decision to seek re-election after discussing it with his family and "receiving their blessing and support."

The announcement brings to a close months of speculation about whether he would run for re-election this fall.

"This is about protecting our progress and making sure Toronto comes out of this pandemic stronger than ever. That's what I've done every day as Mayor - including over the last two years confronting COVID-19 - and that's what I am going to do if I am fortunate enough to be re-elected again in October."

Tory was first elected in 2014 with 40 per cent of the vote, replacing former mayor Rob Ford.

That tumultuous campaign saw him face up against now-Premier Doug Ford, who opted to run in his younger brother's place following Rob's cancer diagnosis, and Olivia Chow.