A former newspaper columnist who finished fourth in Toronto’s mayoral byelection in 2023 says that he will not enter the race for mayor.
Anthony Furey made the announcement in a post on social media on Monday, noting that while he did consider a run in October’s municipal election, he ultimately concluded that it was not the right time to throw his hat into the ring.
“I don’t feel the time is right for me and I’m going to sit this one out. It was an amazing experience running in the last mayoral race and advocating for common sense policies to improve Toronto for the benefit of all. I’m grateful to all the people who have supported me,” Furey said via a post on X. “Toronto is facing a number of challenges but it remains an amazing city full of wonderful people — a city worth fighting for. While I won’t be running this time, I look forward to contributing in other ways by supporting important causes in the community.”
I’ve been asked if I plan to run for Mayor of Toronto in this year’s election, as I had previously said I was considering it.
— Anthony Furey (@anthonyfurey) April 20, 2026
My advisors tell me that my latest polling numbers are actually pretty good for a busy hockey dad who’s been keeping a low profile this year.
That said,… pic.twitter.com/7Yt6MXzX8l
Furey first rose to prominence as a political columnist for the Toronto Sun.
In 2023, Furey ran in the mayoral by-election.
He received 35,899 votes, placing him ahead of well-known politicians like Brad Bradford (9,254 votes), Mitzie Hunter (21,299 votes) and Josh Matlow (35,572 votes).
His decision not to enter October’s race comes after a Liaison Strategies survey released last week which suggested he would have the support of 11 per cent of decided and learning voters. The survey placed Furey third behind Olivia Chow (46 per cent) and Brad Bradford (35 per cent).
Furey’s departure from the upcoming Oct. 26 mayoral election comes after former mayor John Tory and former MPP and former city councillor Michael Ford also announced they would not be running.
Beaches-East York city councillor Brad Bradford announced his intention to run in October 2025.Mayor Olivia Chow is also widely expected to run for re-election but has not confirmed her entry into the race.
The formal nomination period for candidates opens on May 1 and closes Aug. 21
