Amanda Burrows, a prominent social justice advocate in Vancouver, is the latest candidate for Vancouver mayor in 2026.
The 2026 mayoral race is heating up in a healthy sign for civic democracy, with a variety of candidates that have either formally announced their bids or expressed interest in running, all from varied backgrounds and political stances.
Burrows, along with First United, for which she is the executive director, announced the news on Monday morning. Burrows is running under the OneCity banner.
“The Vancouver I love is full of people with heart. They are renters, workers, families, artists, seniors, students, all working hard to build a life here,” her campaign website says.
Burrows is a renter and a nonprofit leader in the city. She had some words for Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and the ABC Vancouver party in her announcement.
“The city is becoming more expensive and less fair,” said Burrows. “Ken Sim and ABC are cutting programs and services to give their wealthy friends a break, and we’re losing what makes this city special.”
“Amanda will continue to lead FIRST UNITED in her capacity as Executive Director, including organizational leadership and public engagements, until her previously planned sabbatical. Her sabbatical will be from July to October 2026, regardless of any candidacy outcome,” First United said in a release.
Some other mayoral candidates for the 2026 civic election include former ABC councillor Rebecca Bligh, and Kareem Allam, who is running under the Vancouver Liberals banner. Allam is Sim’s former chief of staff.
The Green Party’s Pete Fry has also expressed interest in running for mayor next year.
“This election is about who Vancouver is for,” Burrows said.
“We can choose a city where only the rich can stay – or a city with heart, where everyone belongs. I know which one I’m fighting for,” she added.
Burrows is the second OneCity mayoral candidate, the other being William Azaroff.
The Vancouver mayoral election is less than a year away, taking place Oct. 17, 2026.