Former Toronto mayor John Tory has confirmed that he will not run in this fall’s municipal election, citing the toll a campaign would take on his family and loved ones.
In a statement released Tuesday, Tory said the increasing scrutiny of his personal life — even before formally announcing any plans to run — played a decisive role in his decision.
“I will not be running for mayor because I feel I cannot put my family and the people I care about through the inevitable attacks on me and my personal life that we’ve started to see before I’ve even announced my intentions,” Tory said.
He emphasized that he is not seeking sympathy, acknowledging the realities of public life.Tory previously resigned as mayor in 2023 following revelations of an inappropriate relationship with a former staffer. His departure triggered a by-election and marked a dramatic end to his tenure at Toronto City Hall.
His announcement now reshapes the political landscape ahead of the 2026 race for mayor in Toronto, removing a well-known political figure from what is expected to be a competitive contest.
