The 2026 Vancouver mayoral election is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in a long time, with many candidates throwing their hats into the race, and a former mayor is seriously considering joining the fun.
Daily Hive Urbanized recently had an exchange with former Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart, who held the title between 2018 and 2022 before being trumped by current mayor Ken Sim.
He had a few choice words for the current ruling party of ABC Vancouver and Sim.
“Many people are asking me to run again for mayor in 2026. Vancouver is facing real challenges, particularly renters, workers, and vulnerable residents. Under Ken Sim, homicides and homelessness have risen, and we have lost cherished civic institutions such as the Celebration of Light.”
(We recently reported on the indefinite cancellation of the Honda Celebration of Light. A lack of funding and government support were the primary factors that were blamed.)
Stewart also questioned Sim’s judgment, “from his reckless and chaotic push to abolish the Park Board and a pattern of questionable public conduct,” Stewart said.
“I love this city, and I believe Vancouver deserves competent, experienced leadership. That is why I am giving serious consideration to returning to public service.”
In 2022, Stewart formed a new party, Forward Together. In June 2022, he named his first three councillors: software developer Russil Wvong, Harvard University women’s studies graduate and MIT city planning graduate Dulcy Anderson, and Vancouver Community College science educator Hilary Brown.
Stewart received just under 50,000 votes, while Sim received over 85,000.
After the election, Stewart joined SFU’s Centre for Public Policy Research. Since then, he has been vocal on social media about the city’s issues.
Oh, I see the push to abolish the Park Board is being led by the anti-trans lobby. I just feel sorry for you folks who seem to always be choking on your own venom. Sad. Why not go to a park and smell the flowers?
— Kennedy Stewart (@kennedystewart) October 10, 2025
Stewart joins many prominent civic leaders who have expressed interest in running. That includes the Green Party’s Pete Fry. Others have formally announced their plans to run for mayor, including social justice advocate Amanda Burrows, who is seeking the mayoral nomination with OneCity, along with William Azaroff.
Kareem Allam, Sim’s former chief of staff, is running under the Vancouver Liberals banner. COPE Vancouver will likely run a candidate.
Rebecca Bligh, former ABC Councillor, will also be running for mayor in 2026.
We reached out to Colleen Hardwick with TEAM for a Livable Vancouver, who came in third in votes in the previous election, behind Sim and Stewart.
“Colleen Hardwick will be seeking the TEAM mayoral nomination at our upcoming nomination event, which will be held in Q1 of 2026,” the party told Daily Hive Urbanized.
Hardwick also responded to a post on X about Stewart’s plans.
God help us.
— Colleen Hardwick (@CllrHardwick) December 9, 2025
What do you make of Stewart’s consideration of a potential 2026 run?
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