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Although he was kicking the tires on a possible journey to travel back to Toronto City Hall, this Ford has decided to not get into the race.

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Michael Ford won’t be putting his campaign for Toronto’s mayor in drive after all.

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“Joe, hope all is well!” the nephew of Premier Doug Ford and late great former mayor Rob Ford penned me in a text message. “I have made a decision on the mayor’s race” and “I’ve decided not to go ahead this election cycle.”

So, it looks like there won’t be a second Mayor Ford to lead Toronto. At least in 2026.

“As many of you know, over the past while I have been considering a run for mayor of Toronto,” Ford said in a statement. “After some very long and thoughtful consideration with my close family, I have decided not to seek my candidacy for mayor of Toronto in the 2026 municipal election.”

He said back last month that he would take about a month to decide, and he has now made his decision.

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“I want to thank the countless people who have been so kind to share their support with me from across the city,” Ford said Thursday.

Some sad, some relieved Ford won’t run

The former councillor, school trustee and provincial cabinet minister had some support and there was some enthusiasm at the prospect he could throw his hat in the ring.

But there is also some relief among those on the right side of the political spectrum that Ford has decided to sit this one out.

With undeclared but expected to run left-leaning Mayor Olivia Chow as the front runner against Councillor Brad Bradford, there was a concern among the centre-right politicos that Ford stepping in would split the vote and let the incumbent walk in easily to a second term.

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There was already relief that former mayor John Tory had passed on a comeback. Many desire to see a two-way race between Chow and Bradford.

But there is still plenty of time for other candidates to decide to go into this election, which doesn’t occur until Oct. 26.

Many names are speculated including former mayoral candidate Anthony Furey and former Ford finance minister Rod Phillips, as well as former Liberal MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes and former Toronto Police chief Mark Saunders.

It’s unclear what the reason is for Michael Ford to decide not to proceed but it is noted that he left provincial politics for health reasons and running for Toronto mayor is not an easy experience for anybody.

Tory cited not wanting to put his family through more attention as a result of him leading the mayor’s job in 2023 after it was revealed he had a personal relationship with a female staffer, who is now his partner in life.

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Ford may have another chance at another time

It’s sad that serving one’s city can cause so much personal strife for people and it is no wonder people who have something to offer decide it’s just not worth it.

Still very young at just age 32, Ford didn’t rule out another shot at another time.

“I will definitely keep the option open for another run in the future,” he said.

He said he thinks of his late uncle Rob Ford “every day” and teases “we need someone like him back in office.” For now, Michael Ford said he will do his part for the city from an unelected perch.

“I will remain very active in the city that I love and lend my support in whichever way makes Toronto a more safe, affordable and world-class city,” he said. “I love Toronto and have always had a passion for public service.”

But the wheels of this Ford will not be on any election roads this time around.

jwarmington@postmedia.com

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