‘I Love This Job:’ Toronto Mayor John Tory Will Seek Third Term In October Election

Mayor John Tory is planning a bid to become Toronto’s longest-serving mayor by seeking a third term in the city’s next municipal election.

“I love this job, I love this city,” said Tory at City Hall on Friday.

The 67-year-old has announced he intends to run in the October election when registration opens in May

The 67-year-old has announced he intends to run in the October election when registration opens in May.

“I am running for Mayor for another term because I believe Toronto needs an experienced leader who will continue to work hard with both the federal and provincial governments to ensure Toronto stays on track, and continue to work on making Toronto a more livable and more affordable place to live, to work and build a future,” reads a statement from Tory.

“This is about protecting our progress and making sure Toronto comes out of this pandemic stronger than ever.”

Tory said he made the decision to seek re-election after discussing his options with his family and receiving their blessing.

“My family’s understanding of the fact that I love the job I have,” said Tory. “We’ve sorted all that out, happily.”

The mayor says he will unveil more specifics about his platform as the campaign unfolds, but he noted transit, housing, and the city’s continued economic recovery, as his focus moving forward.

“Those things are going to require experienced leadership that people are familiar and comfortable, I want to continue to provide that leadership,” Tory said.

“The city has been through some very challenging times, and will be going through challenging times going forward. I’m very determined to work with other governments to protect the gains we’ve made, to protect the progress we’ve made.”

First elected in 2014 and re-elected for a second term in 2018, if he completes a third term it would make Tory the city’s longest-serving mayor, surpassing Art Eggleton who served from 1980 to 1991.

Toronto’s municipal election is scheduled for Oct. 24.