Former Mississauga Mayor and former Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie may be preparing for a return to municipal politics, with growing speculation that she will seek to reclaim the mayor’s office she held for a decade before entering provincial politics.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Crombie could announce her future political plans as early as next week, fuelling discussions across Mississauga about the possibility of a high-profile comeback.
Crombie served as mayor of Mississauga from 2014 until 2024, building her political brand as the successor to longtime mayor Hazel McCallion. She resigned from the position to pursue the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party, winning the leadership race after defeating several prominent candidates.
Her tenure as party leader, however, proved challenging. Although the Liberals regained official party status in the 2025 provincial election, Crombie was unable to win her own riding of Mississauga East-Cooksville. Following internal party debates and leadership uncertainty, she eventually stepped down from the role in early 2026.
Now, with Mississauga preparing for its next municipal election, attention has shifted to whether Crombie intends to return to the political arena where she first achieved widespread success.
Reaction among residents has been mixed. Some citizens have expressed support for her potential candidacy, citing her experience and leadership record during her years at City Hall. Others remain critical of her decision to leave municipal office for provincial politics and question whether voters are ready to welcome her back.
The prospect of Crombie entering the race has also drawn reactions from current candidates. Mississauga councillors Alvin Tedjo and Dipika Damerla have already launched campaigns for the mayoralty. While both have focused on their own visions for the city, the entry of a former mayor with significant name recognition could dramatically reshape the contest.
Current Mayor Carolyn Parrish has largely avoided commenting on speculation surrounding Crombie’s intentions, stating that she remains focused on governing the city and will respond if and when a formal candidacy is announced.
Meanwhile, Doug Ford has previously been openly critical of Crombie’s record as mayor and later as Liberal leader. During a recent appearance in Mississauga, Ford signalled strong support for Mayor Parrish and reiterated his opposition to a Crombie return, describing her tenure at City Hall in highly critical terms.
Despite the political debate, Crombie remains one of the most recognizable figures in Mississauga politics. Her decade-long leadership of one of Canada’s largest cities, combined with her experience on the provincial stage, gives her a profile few potential candidates can match.
As residents await an official announcement, the possibility of Crombie seeking another term as mayor has already become one of the most talked-about political stories in the Greater Toronto Area. If she decides to run, the race for Mississauga’s top job is expected to become one of the most closely watched municipal contests in Ontario.