TORONTO — Mike Layton is looking to reclaim his seat on Toronto city council after stepping away from municipal politics four years ago.
Layton is running in the Oct. 26 municipal election for the University-Rosedale seat, which he held from 2010 to 2022 before stepping away to prioritize time with his family.
He says in a social media post that he sees the civic election as an opportunity to bring in progressive leadership capable of driving real change and he’s eager to be part of that effort.
Layton is the son of late federal NDP leader Jack Layton, himself a former Toronto city councillor, and stepson of Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
Should voters send him back to council, Layton says his goals would include expanding affordable housing and transit options, along with installing rooftop solar panels to cut down on fossil fuel dependence.
Ten other candidates are running in Ward 11, including incumbent Dianne Saxe who claimed the seat after Layton stepped down.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 17, 2026.
The Canadian Press
