As the 2026 municipal election looms on the horizon and the nomination deadline gallops ever closer, the race to shape the future of local government is beginning to gain momentum across the region. Municipal elections may still be a few months away, but prospective candidates are stepping forward to declare their intentions, giving residents an early glimpse of who hopes to lead their communities over the next four years.
While the official list of certified candidates will not be finalized until after the Aug. 12 nomination deadline, unofficial candidate lists are steadily growing as both familiar faces and first-time contenders enter the race.
In the Town of Perth, where voters will elect a seven-member council consisting of a mayor, deputy mayor and five councillors, the campaign is already showing signs of becoming a competitive one. To date, seven candidates have declared their intention to seek office.
The race for mayor is shaping up as a three-way contest, with current councillors David Bird and Isabel Ann McRae both seeking the municipality’s highest office. They will be joined by Stephanie Drummond, who is making her second bid for mayor.
Current Mayor Judy Brown has announced she will not seek another term as mayor, instead putting her name forward for one of the five councillor positions. She will be joined by incumbent councillor Gary Waterfield, who is seeking re-election, and newcomer Marlene Donaghue, who is also entering the race for council.
Meanwhile, current councillor Jim Boldt has declared his candidacy for the role of deputy mayor, adding another familiar name to the evolving ballot.
With nominations still open for several more weeks, additional candidates can be expected to enter the race before the deadline, setting the stage for what could be a competitive municipal election in Perth this fall.
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