Ford's praise for Chow sparks endorsement confusion ahead of Toronto vote

Ontario Premier Doug Ford appeared to signal support for Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow during her reelection campaign, but his office later clarified the remarks were not an endorsement. The comments, made at a joint press conference on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, have created uncertainty about the premier's true stance ahead of the city's October 26 election. Ford and Chow were at an event marking the opening of a new Sanofi vaccine manufacturing facility when Ford was asked about endorsements in the mayoral race. He praised his relationship with Chow, describing it as "phenomenal," and noted the province has provided over $9 billion in funding to the city. "We're going to continue supporting the mayor. She's doing an incredible job," Ford said. He concluded by urging reporters to "read between the lines" of his comments. The remarks were widely interpreted as a quasi-endorsement, including by Chow's main rival, Brad Bradford. However, on Thursday, September 17, Ford's office issued a statement saying the premier did not endorse Chow and will not endorse any candidate in the race.