Ben Mulroney Declines Immediate Toronto Mayoral Run, Endorses Brad Bradford
In a recent podcast appearance, media personality Ben Mulroney clarified his political ambitions, stating he would not be entering the 2026 Toronto mayoral race. Mulroney, host of a show on Global News Radio AM640, expressed a strong interest in municipal leadership but emphasized his commitment to his current radio role.
Mulroney's Political Stance and Support for Bradford
During an interview on the Can’t Be Censored podcast with Travis Dhanraj and Karman Wong, Mulroney revealed that while he envisions a future mayoral campaign, he will not challenge incumbent Olivia Chow this fall. Instead, he plans to support and vote for Councillor Brad Bradford, who announced his candidacy in October 2025.
"I’ve always said the only thing I would ever run for would be mayor of Toronto," Mulroney said, adding, "I would absolutely run for mayor one day." He cited his enjoyment of his radio show as a primary reason for delaying a political run, noting it allows him to engage in meaningful public conversations.
Criticism of Olivia Chow's Leadership and Tax Policies
Mulroney did not hold back in his assessment of Mayor Olivia Chow's tenure, particularly highlighting significant tax increases under her administration. He pointed out that property taxes have risen by 42% since 2020, a period spanning both Chow's and former mayor John Tory's terms.
Additionally, Mulroney criticized the surge in development charges, which have escalated from $24,298 in 2014 to $143,409 in 2026—a nearly 500% increase. He argued that these costs contribute to Toronto's affordability crisis, with services failing to improve commensurately.
"I think there’s a group of people in the city that have probably been activated, who’ve been sitting on the couch at every municipal election saying, 'Oh, it doesn’t matter,'" Mulroney remarked, suggesting voter engagement might rise due to these issues.
Broader Political Commentary and Call for Effective Policies
Beyond municipal affairs, Mulroney offered sharp critiques of federal politics, describing the last decade of Liberal policies as "a disaster for this country." He expressed frustration with political rhetoric, advocating for policies that deliver tangible results rather than mere announcements.
"If you’re not a little bit angry with where we are as a country, there’s something wrong with you," he stated, emphasizing a desire for practical solutions at both city hall and Parliament Hill.
Uncertainty Surrounding Chow and Tory's Future Plans
As the October 2026 election approaches, Mayor Olivia Chow has not confirmed whether she will seek re-election, hinting that a decision will follow the city budget approval next month. Meanwhile, John Tory, who resigned in 2023 amid scandal, remains undecided about a potential comeback, continuing his work on various boards and as a commentator.
Mulroney's endorsement of Bradford signals a push for generational change in Toronto's leadership, reflecting his belief that the city needs fresh approaches to address its mounting challenges.
