Former federal cabinet minister Chris Alexander has officially declared his candidacy for the upcoming Toronto mayoral race. He made his announcement through a press release on a Tuesday evening, although he is not yet listed on the city’s official candidates list.

In the press release, Alexander emphasized the potential and achievements of Toronto, stating, "At our best, we are a city of great achievements. With vision and teamwork, we can get back on that track, and I believe we will." He further expressed that his campaign is intended to unite those who desire to see Toronto functioning effectively again.

Alexander has an extensive political background, having served as a Conservative Member of Parliament for the constituency of Ajax-Pickering from 2011 to 2015. He held a significant position in former Prime Minister Stephen Harper's cabinet, serving as the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada for two years during his tenure.

Prior to his announcement, Alexander had been a subject of speculation regarding his potential candidacy in the 2026 mayoral race. As the race progresses, he will join an increasingly crowded field of candidates—over 30 individuals have registered to appear on the ballot.

The nomination period for the municipal election opened on May 1 and will officially close on August 21. This timeline allows for an active and competitive election season as candidates prepare to present their platforms and engage with voters.

As of now, the race appears to be shaping up between incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Brad Bradford, indicating a dynamic political landscape for Toronto as it heads toward the election. Alexander’s entry adds another layer of complexity to the race, highlighting the diverse perspectives and backgrounds of the candidates vying for the mayoral position.

With the election date approaching, candidates like Alexander will need to rally support and articulate clear visions for the future of Toronto to resonate with voters.