The Peel Regional Police Association (PRPA) has made history by endorsing Alvin Tedjo in the mayoral race for Mississauga, marking their first endorsement of a mayoral candidate. Tedjo, who has been the Ward 2 councillor since 2022, previously finished second in the 2024 mayoral race, losing to the incumbent Carolyn Parrish, who is again vying for the position.
During a press conference held on Monday, PRPA President Adrian Woolley expressed the association's pride in supporting Tedjo. He emphasized the necessity of proactive leadership in public safety, stating, “Public safety cannot be reactive. It requires leaders willing to have difficult conversations before a crisis becomes tomorrow's headlines.” Woolley conveyed confidence in Tedjo's ability to understand the needs for ensuring public safety and tackling crime effectively in Mississauga.
PRPA represents over 3,800 uniform and civilian members of Peel police, underscoring the significance of their support for Tedjo amid the ongoing mayoral competition. The 2026 Mississauga election is shaping up to be highly contested, with Tedjo not only facing Parrish but also former mayor Bonnie Crombie and Dipika Damerla, who previously served as the Ward 7 councillor.
Before his political career, Tedjo was a communications strategist for Toronto Metropolitan University and Sheridan College, bringing a unique perspective to his role as a city councillor. In contrast to his competitors, Tedjo is focusing on public safety as a critical issue. His endorsement by the PRPA may have a substantial impact on his campaign, given the association's influence and reach within the community.
In the context of the race, Carolyn Parrish is returning as a strong candidate after winning a byelection following Crombie's departure from the mayoral position to take on the role of Ontario Liberal leader. Following her unsuccessful attempt to secure a provincial seat in the 2025 election, Crombie has announced her renewed commitment to local politics and her candidacy for the mayoral election.
Crombie has also secured the endorsement of Ron Chatha, a former chair of the Peel Police Services Board. She has publicly committed to supporting Peel’s police officers and aims to work collaboratively with them to enhance safety in Mississauga. Her policing strategy includes addressing home invasions, auto theft, extortion, and violent crime. She has also stated her intention to return to the Police Services Board if elected mayor.
Recent polling data from Liaison Strategies suggests that the race is becoming a close contest, indicating that it is primarily a head-to-head competition between Parrish and Crombie. With the political landscape evolving and key endorsements shaping the candidates' prospects, the 2026 Mississauga mayoral race is set to be one of the most closely watched municipal elections in Ontario.
As the candidates prepare for the upcoming election, the focus remains on public safety, community engagement, and the candidates' respective plans to handle local issues effectively. The endorsement of Tedjo by the PRPA adds an intriguing dynamic to the race, potentially influencing voter perception and engagement as the election date approaches.
