Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath Says She's "Absolutely" Running Again in 2026

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath made it official on Thursday: she’s seeking a second term in the city’s top job. Following a morning audit, finance, and administration committee meeting at City Hall, Horwath confirmed she’ll be on the ballot in next year’s municipal election.

“Absolutely!” she responded when asked about her re-election plans. “This is Hamilton – this is the city that I love.”

Horwath, who made history as Hamilton’s first female mayor in 2022 after serving as Ontario NDP leader for over a decade, says she’s proud of the progress the city has made under her leadership—and she’s just getting started.

Major Investments and Milestones

In her comments, Horwath pointed to some of the key achievements of her first term, including major infrastructure investments and a growing regional presence.

One major win? The revitalization of the downtown arena, now known as the TD Coliseum, formerly the FirstOntario Centre. The facility is receiving nearly $300 million in investment, part of a broader push to modernize Hamilton’s urban core and boost economic development.

She also highlighted a growing partnership with Porter Airlines, which has expanded operations at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport with four new routes. Horwath sees the airport as a major regional hub for growth, creating new jobs and enhancing Hamilton’s connection to the rest of Canada and beyond.

Ongoing Challenges: Encampments and Housing

Horwath didn’t shy away from the city’s current challenges, either. She addressed the encampment demonstration still taking place outside City Hall, calling it a complex issue that requires cooperation from all levels of government and the community.

“We're not going to solve this on our own,” Horwath emphasized. “We need help. And that means federal support, provincial coordination, and the ongoing support of Hamiltonians.”

Encampments have become a flashpoint in cities across Canada, and Hamilton is no exception. Horwath has faced criticism and protest over the city's handling of the crisis, but says she remains committed to solutions that are compassionate, coordinated, and sustainable.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The next municipal election is scheduled for October 2026, and with her announcement, Horwath becomes one of the first high-profile candidates to declare.

As the race begins to take shape, her re-election bid will likely focus on themes of progress, renewal, and unfinished work. From infrastructure upgrades and airport expansion to the ongoing housing crisis, Hamilton voters will have a lot to consider next year.

Whether Horwath can maintain the support that brought her to office in 2022 remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: she’s not done fighting for the city she calls home.

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