Mississauga’s next mayoral election could feature a high-profile rematch between two of the city’s most recognizable political figures.
Mayor Carolyn Parrish has confirmed she plans to seek re-election for one final term — a campaign that could become especially competitive if former mayor and recently resigned Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie decides to return to municipal politics.
Crombie stepped down as leader of the Ontario Liberal Party on Wednesday, effective immediately, but did not signal whether she intends to remain active in politics. In a written statement, she said she is “looking forward to spending more time with my family, including welcoming my first grandchild,” while allowing the party “the space it needs to move forward with new leadership.”
Crombie leaves door open
Despite the uncertainty, Crombie has previously said she would not rule out another run for Mississauga mayor. Following a poll conducted in October, she acknowledged the possibility of seeking the office she once held.
Crombie was first elected mayor in 2014, succeeding longtime mayor Hazel McCallion, and went on to win two re-election victories. She left City Hall in January 2024 to become leader of the Ontario Liberal Party.
Parrish welcomes the challenge
Parrish, who won the June 2024 mayoral byelection to replace Crombie, told INsauga.com in late 2025 that she intended to serve no more than one additional term. A veteran politician, Parrish previously spent 13 years on Mississauga city council and another 13 years as a member of Parliament in Ottawa.
Asked about the possibility of Crombie returning to challenge her, Parrish said she would welcome the contest.
“I’d view that as a fabulous challenge,” Parrish said. “I’d love it. We don’t think alike. … I would look forward to a debate with Bonnie Crombie.”
After Crombie told Global News in October that she was open to another mayoral run in 2026, Parrish said she received several calls asking how she would respond to a potential head-to-head race.
“I’d say, ‘Well that’s fine. What do you expect me to do? I’m going to run harder,’” Parrish said.
Poll suggests close race
Although Crombie formally resigned as Liberal leader this week, she had already announced in September that she would step down after receiving just 57 per cent support in a leadership review at the party’s annual general meeting.
Her provincial tenure ended following a decisive loss to Premier Doug Ford in the snap election called last February.
Still, Crombie remains a formidable figure in Mississauga politics. A poll conducted Oct. 22–23 by Liaison Strategies found that she would narrowly defeat Parrish — 38 per cent to 34 per cent — if a mayoral election had been held at that time. The survey was based on responses from 800 Mississauga voters.
Election timeline
The next municipal election in Mississauga is scheduled for Oct. 26, 2026. Whether voters will see a high-stakes contest between Parrish and Crombie remains uncertain, but both the polling data and the political history suggest a potential race that could draw significant attention across Ontario.