Mark Sutcliffe Wins Re-election as Mayor of Ottawa

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe won re-election to a second four-year term in Ottawa's municipal election on October 27, 2026. Sutcliffe secured approximately 44.7 percent of the vote, defeating Kitchissippi councillor Jeff Leiper, who received 33.9 percent. Other candidates included Neil Saravanamuttoo and Alex Lawson. Sutcliffe claimed a strong mandate to pursue a $10 billion infrastructure plan, a $95 adult monthly transit pass, and a pledge to keep tax hikes below 2.5 percent over the next two years.

The election resulted in a historic shift for the city council, which will feature more women than men for the first time since amalgamation, with a 13 to 12 split. While 21 of the 22 incumbent councillors returned to office, Erin Coffin unseated incumbent Allan Hubley in Kanata South. New members Joanne Chianello and Chelsea Walton also joined the council. Riley Brockington and another councillor were acclaimed for their seats after facing no opposition.

Voter turnout was approximately 36.2 percent, the lowest level for the city since 2003. The campaign was characterized by voter dissatisfaction regarding homelessness, open drug use, and the reliability of OC Transpo. Councillor Brockington noted that bus on-time performance currently sits at 76 percent, falling short of the 85 percent target.