Thinking of running in Mississauga’s 2026 Municipal Election?

Municipal elections help shape daily life in Mississauga. Decisions about roads, parks, housing, libraries and community programs all start at City Hall. That’s why understanding the role of Members of Council is important, especially for those thinking about running as a candidate in Mississauga’s 2026 Municipal Election on Monday, October 26, 2026. 

Every four years, eligible voters elect one Mayor and 11 City Councillors. Together, they make up Mississauga City Council, the City’s elected governing body. 

Why City Council matters 

Whether representing a ward as a Councillor or serving as Mayor, Members of Council are elected to lead the City and represent residents. They act as a link between residents, community groups, partner agencies and other levels of government.   

Members of Council help set priorities for Mississauga, make decisions on behalf of residents and businesses. They balance city-wide needs with the needs of local communities. That’s why voting matters.  

City Council is chosen through a clear and regulated democratic election process. Municipal elections in Ontario follow the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, which sets the rules for who can vote, who can run and how campaigns and voting are carried out. These province-wide rules help ensure elections are fair and consistent, and give residents confidence that City Council reflects the will of the community. 

What elected officials do 

Elected officials serve the public by listening to residents, considering different perspectives and making decisions that reflect community needs. Their role focuses on leadership, governance and oversight.

The Mayor and City Council do not manage City employees or daily operations. Day to-day operations are led by the City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The CAO is the City’s most senior staff member and reports to Council. 

Members of Council must follow the laws that guide their decision-making, including the Municipal Act and the Planning Act.  

Officially elected roles 

This year, eligible voters will elect the Mayor to represent the city and a Councillor to represent their ward. Those elected will serve on City and Regional Council for the 2026–2030 term.  

Each Councillor represents a specific ward and focuses on local issues that affect their neighbourhoods and communities.  

In addition to the Mayor and City/Regional Councillors, voters will also elect School Board Trustees. 

The Mayor of Mississauga – head of Council 

The Mayor is Mississauga’s head of Council, public figure and community leader. The Mayor chairs Council meetings, helps set the City’s strategic direction and represents Mississauga at official events.  

The Mayor also serves on boards and committees, takes part in ceremonial duties and has signing authority.  

City/Regional Councillors 

City Councillors, also known as Ward Councillors, represent one of Mississauga’s 11 wards. A ward is a geographic area of the city with its own elected Councillor.  

Councillors bring forward local concerns, provide input on policies and projects, and vote on matters such as budgets, by-laws, planning applications and service levels.

In Mississauga, Councillors also serve on Regional Council for the Region of Peel, which includes Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. At the regional level, they help oversee services such as major roads, water and wastewater systems, public health and social services. 

Considering a run for municipal office? 

Serving as Mayor or City Councillor requires a significant time commitment. The role often extends beyond regular business hours, including evenings and weekends. Members of Council are expected to stay informed and respond to a wide range of city issues, at all hours and on any day.

Much of the work happens outside formal Council meetings. This can include reviewing reports, attending briefings, responding to resident questions, hosting ward meetings, serving on committees or advisory boards, and taking part in community events.  

Members of Council are held to a high level of public accountability. They communicate with residents in person, by phone, by email and through social media. They must also make decisions while balancing different needs and priorities.

Members of Council can face criticism from the public, their peers or other levels of government, either at meetings, in person or online. They must also follow City policies and Ontario laws, including rules about handling confidential information.  

If you’re thinking about running for Mayor or City Councillor, it’s important to understand the responsibilities, expectations, time commitment and personal sacrifices that come with the role.  

Candidate resources, information and nominations 

Over the next few months, interested candidates are encouraged to attend free candidate workshops run by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

Watch the 2026 Municipal Election Candidate Information Session held on March 26, 2026. 

Candidate nominations open Friday, May 1 at 8:30 a.m. The nomination period runs until Friday, August 21 at 2 p.m. 

Every eligible candidate has the power to help shape Mississauga’s next chapter. Visit the City’s elections page to learn how to run for office. 

Learn more  

For information about voting in Mississauga’s 2026 Municipal Election, including updates as they become available, visit mississauga.ca/election.  

• Municipal Elections Act, 1996 
• Information for voters 
• Information for candidates 
• Before you vote 

For questions about municipal elections, contact the Elections Office by phone at 905 615-8683, by email at election.office@mississauga.ca or through the online contact form.

Digital assets and downloads 

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• 2026-election
• Elections