The race for the next mayor of Mississauga is heating up as a new poll reveals a tight competition among the top candidates. According to the latest survey conducted by Canada Pulse Insights for CityNews, incumbent Carolyn Parrish, Ward 2 councillor Alvin Tedjo, and former Mayor Bonnie Crombie are neck-and-neck, with just five points separating them among decided voters.
Among decided voters, Parrish leads with 30% support, closely followed by Tedjo at 26% and Crombie at 25%. Dipika Damerla trails with 12% of the vote, while 8% of respondents prefer none of the top candidates.
When considering all voters, Parrish maintains a lead with 24% support, while Tedjo garners 20% and Crombie follows closely at 19%. Damerla secures 9% of the vote, and 18% of Mississauga voters remain undecided.
The poll also reveals that a majority of voters, nearly two-thirds, believe it is time for a change in leadership, while 36% support Parrish for re-election. Among undecided voters, 70% prefer change, with only 30% in favor of re-electing Parrish.
Tedjo emerges as a strong contender for those seeking change, with 28% support among this group. Crombie, who previously served as the mayor and now leads the Ontario Liberal party, holds 22% support in this category.
Pollster John Wright highlights Tedjo’s rising popularity in the campaign due to his distinct personality and pragmatic approach. Wright suggests that Parrish and Crombie should concentrate on addressing key issues rather than focusing on attacking Tedjo during the upcoming debates.
CityNews will host a mayoral debate featuring Parrish, Tedjo, Crombie, and Damerla on Thursday, Oct. 1, which will be live-streamed at 7 p.m. on CityNews 24/7.
The Mississauga municipal election is set for Oct. 26, with voters receiving their voting cards shortly. Advance voting will be available from Oct. 6 to Oct. 11.
