Muhammad Amanullah | The True Post
Mark Sutcliffe has won a second term as mayor of Ottawa after securing victory in the Canadian capital’s municipal election held on October 26, 2026. Councillor Jeff Leiper finished in second place, according to unofficial election results reported after voting concluded.
Residents across Ottawa voted to elect their mayor, city councillors, and school board trustees. Polling stations were open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., allowing eligible voters to participate in the municipal election.
Sutcliffe’s re-election means he will continue leading the city council for another four-year term, which is scheduled to run from November 2026 through November 2030.
Mark Sutcliffe Wins Second Term
According to unofficial results reported on October 26, Sutcliffe received 139,354 votes, representing approximately 44.6 per cent of the total. Jeff Leiper finished second with 105,819 votes, or about 33.9 per cent.
Economist Neil Saravanamuttoo placed third with 34,463 votes, while Alex Lawson finished fourth with 23,605 votes. The results indicated a clear lead for Sutcliffe over his principal challenger.
Sutcliffe, a former broadcaster, was first elected mayor in 2022. His latest victory gives him another opportunity to pursue his priorities for Ottawa, including municipal services, transportation, infrastructure, and property taxes.
The official status of election results remains subject to confirmation by the city clerk.
Fourteen Candidates Contested the Mayoral Race
A total of 14 candidates were listed in the race for Ottawa mayor. They included incumbent Mark Sutcliffe, Jeff Leiper, Alex Lawson, Neil Saravanamuttoo, Zed Chebib, Peter Westaway, Suraj Harish, Queen Divine Priya Amber Bakshi, Bernard Couchman, Ali Shayvard, Jacob Solomon, Amjad Ali Syed, Josh Rachlis, and Geoff Nicholas.
Although several candidates competed for the position, much of the attention focused on Sutcliffe and Leiper, who emerged as the leading contenders.
The outcome will shape the city’s political leadership as Ottawa prepares for a new municipal term and faces ongoing questions about affordability, public transit, housing, and the delivery of local services.
How Ottawa Residents Voted
The City of Ottawa provided online information to help residents identify their designated voting locations. Voters could consult municipal election resources to find their polling place and obtain guidance about the voting process.
The voting period ran from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day, with election officials responsible for processing ballots and reporting results after polls closed.
Eligibility for municipal voting in Ontario generally includes Canadian citizenship, being at least 18 years old, and meeting the applicable residency or property-ownership or tenancy requirements. Additional statutory conditions may apply.
Residents are advised to consult the City of Ottawa’s official election information for detailed eligibility rules and voting procedures.
City Council Elections Across 24 Wards
Alongside the mayoral contest, voters selected representatives for Ottawa’s 24 municipal wards.
The council races featured a mix of incumbent councillors seeking re-election and new candidates hoping to secure seats. The results will determine the composition of the city council and influence decisions on local spending, transportation, neighbourhood development, and public services.
Some wards also had uncontested races. According to election reporting, Riley Brockington was acclaimed in Ward 16, River, while David Brown was acclaimed in Ward 21, Rideau-Jock.
The final composition of the council will be important in determining how effectively the mayor and councillors work together on municipal priorities during the next term.
School Board Trustee Elections
The municipal election also included contests for school board trustees serving Ottawa’s public and Catholic school systems.
School board trustees play a role in local education governance, including representing communities and participating in decisions affecting school policies, resources, and educational services.
Eligibility and voting arrangements for trustee elections can depend on the relevant school board and applicable election rules. Voters were therefore encouraged to review official municipal guidance to confirm which trustee contests applied to them.
Who Is Eligible to Vote in Ottawa Municipal Elections?
Ontario municipal election rules generally allow eligible Canadian citizens aged 18 or older to vote if they meet the relevant requirements for living in the municipality or owning or renting property there. Certain conditions and restrictions are established by provincial law.
Voting rights may also depend on whether a person has been disqualified under the applicable legislation. Specific rules govern people serving custodial sentences, corporate entities, and other circumstances identified in election law.
Because eligibility can depend on individual circumstances, voters should refer to official provincial and municipal guidance rather than relying solely on general summaries.
What Sutcliffe’s Victory Means for Ottawa
Sutcliffe’s re-election gives him another four-year term to address the challenges facing Canada’s capital.
The new council will have to consider competing demands involving property taxes, transit services, road and infrastructure projects, housing, neighbourhood development, and the overall cost of municipal services.
Leiper’s second-place finish demonstrates that he attracted substantial support in the mayoral contest, although Sutcliffe ultimately secured the lead in the reported unofficial results.
As the new municipal term approaches, residents will be watching to see how the mayor and council translate campaign commitments into policy decisions.
