With one month remaining before nominations close for Ottawa’s 2026 municipal election, six incumbent city councillors are currently running unopposed.
The nomination period remains open until 2 p.m. on Aug. 21, meaning additional candidates can still enter the race before the Oct. 26 election.
The six councillors without challengers so far are:
- Laura Dudas (Orléans West-Innes)
- Cathy Curry (Kanata North)
- Laine Johnson (College)
- Riley Brockington (River)
- David Brown (Rideau-Jock)
- Isabelle Skalski (Osgoode)
Coun. Stéphanie Plante also announced she will seek re-election in Rideau-Vanier after filing her nomination papers. First elected in 2022, Plante served as vice-chair of the Built Heritage Committee and as a member of the Community Services and Emergency Preparedness committees during her first term.
She will face Ottawa-Carleton District School Board trustee Lyra Evans, making Rideau-Vanier a contested race.
Skalski, who won a 2025 byelection following George Darouze’s move to provincial politics, is currently the only registered candidate in Osgoode despite defeating 10 opponents in last year’s vote.
Several other wards are expected to feature competitive contests. Stittsville has already attracted eight candidatesfollowing Coun. Glen Gower’s decision not to seek re-election, while Kitchissippi will elect a new councillor after Jeff Leiper entered the mayoral race.
Orléans East-Cumberland is currently the most crowded incumbent race, with Coun. Matt Luloff facing six challengers.
Nine additional incumbent councillors are facing just one registered challenger at this stage, including Barrhaven West Coun. David Hill and Beacon Hill-Cyrville Coun. Tim Tierney.
Candidate nominations opened on May 1 and close on Aug. 21, with nomination papers to be certified by the city clerk on Aug. 24. Ottawa residents will cast their ballots on Oct. 26.
