With the next municipal election in Victoria just nine months away, some members of the city council have already announced they intend to run for re-election.
Some, however, remain undecided.
Of the current council members, five have confirmed that they plan to run for re-election.
Just before the new year, both Jeremy Caradonna and Matt Dell announced their intent to run for re-election.
Both served their first term in office after being elected in the 2022 election and both have advocated for the Crystal Pool Replacement Project and the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.
Dell has made an effort to prioritize the arts throughout his time as councillor.
“I’ve loved every moment of this job, but there is still so much more work to do,” said Dell in his announcement.
“We need to continue tackling the housing and affordability crisis, keep investing in community safety and wellbeing, and stay focused on the arts, improving our parks, and continuing to support a strong local economy.”
Marg Gardiner told Victoria Buzz that she too plans to run for re-election.
Of all council members, Gardiner has opposed the highest number of initiatives and motions that were supported by the majority of council.
“After three years on Council, my voice is stronger and more effective,” she said in a statement to Victoria Buzz.
“If voters choose to return me to office, I will continue to be a constructive Councillor and invaluable colleague, especially for independent councillors who put residents first.”
Stephen Hammond, whose vote often aligns with Gardiner’s during votes on council motions, has also revealed that he intends to run for re-election in the fall.
Dave Thompson is the fifth of eight councillors who has confirmed he plans to run for re-election.
Thompson was also an advocate for the Crystal Pool Replacement Project and has fought for better transit, affordability measures, climate action and active transportation endeavours throughout his time on council.
“Yes, I am running,” Thompson told Victoria Buzz.
“Motivation is that more needs to be done on the goals set out in our Strategic Plan, including safety and wellbeing, more housing, sustainability and climate action, great neighbourhoods and more.”
Now, the undecided or undeclared councillors.
Krista Loughton would not confirm or deny whether she plans on running in the October election. She indicated that she would prefer to remain focussed on the work that needs doing now.
“I’ve delivered on nearly every commitment I made to Victorians in my 2022 campaign, and I’m grateful for the work this Council has done together,” said Loughton.
“Real progress has been made, and there is still more to do. My focus remains on completing what we started and continuing to move Victoria forward in 2026 and beyond.”
Chris Coleman, the most experienced councillor, similarly stated that there is much to be done before the election and he will not announce his potential candidacy until a later date.
“I fully understand folks’ interest in who will be running in October, but for those who are presently on Councils, we are mandated to carry on ‘governing’ for the betterment of our communities,” explained Coleman.
“When we turn our minds to the political process, we tend to turn away from the principles of ‘governing.’ The effective ‘electoral runway’ for those who are Council incumbents should be about 90 days (so, about mid-July).”
Coleman added that if he were to start campaigning and fundraising now, he would open himself up to the allegation that his voice on council could be swayed.
“I will wait until June or July before Judith, my wife and partner, and I have the discussion about ‘what’s next,’ Coleman concluded.
Susan Kim also noted that she remains undecided on whether or not to run for re-election.
As for Mayor Marianne Alto, she has confirmed with Victoria Buzz that she will be running for mayor once again.
However, there is still much to be done and she does not want to lose focus.
“Right now, I am focused on doing my job, and getting good work done for Victorians,” said Mayor Alto.
“Residents tell me they want continued action on community safety and wellbeing for all, addressing the housing crisis, and supporting a welcoming, economically-thriving city.”
Alto added that since being elected as mayor she has been very public about her intent to run again.
“It would be my privilege to serve another term as mayor—there is so much more to do,” she concluded.
Mayor Alto has served Victoria’s city council since November 2010 before running for mayor in 2022.
The municipal election is scheduled for October 17th.
