TORONTO — Media personality Ben Mulroney has added momentum to Toronto's evolving mayoral race, publicly endorsing City Councillor Brad Bradford and confirming he would consider running for mayor himself in the future.
Mulroney made the remarks during an interview on Can't Be Censored, where he was asked by hosts Travis Dhanraj and Karman Wong whether politics was off the table.
"I've always said the only thing I would ever run for would be mayor of Toronto," Mulroney explained, adding his interest simply: "Because I love municipal politics."
While stopping short of announcing a bid, Mulroney was explicit about his long-term intentions. "I would absolutely run for mayor one day," he said. He noted that he is not prepared to do so now because of his Corus radio program The Ben Mulroney Show. He says right now he wants to focus on building that platform while remaining active in the public conversation outside City Hall.
For the upcoming election, Mulroney said his support lies with Bradford, who has declared his intention to run in the 2026 municipal contest. "There's a good person running. I like Brad," Mulroney said. He acknowledged that former mayor John Tory "has had a lot of accomplishments," but added that Toronto is ready for generational change, saying it is "time to turn the page and try something new."
Mulroney framed his endorsement as a response to voter disengagement in municipal politics, arguing that low turnout has tangible consequences for how the city is governed.
The comments come as the 2026 race begins to take shape. Incumbent mayor Olivia Chow, who previously sat down with Can't Be Censored, has not yet confirmed whether she will seek a full term after winning the 2023 by-election triggered by John Tory's resignation. Tory has not declared a political comeback but continues to be mentioned as a potential contender, while Bradford remains the most prominent declared candidate.
Mulroney also addressed the demands of the mayor's office, describing Tory as particularly suited to the role's punishing pace, while suggesting that endurance alone is no longer enough as Toronto faces mounting challenges related to affordability, public safety, and civic trust.
"There's a group of people in this city that have probably been sitting on the couch at every municipal election saying, 'Ah, it doesn't matter,'" he said. "Well, then you see what happens when you don't pay attention."
He named candidates he believes represent a troubling governing philosophy. "You get the Chris Moises of the world and the Ausma Maliks of the world, who espouse a notion the belief that they want to let the city break," Mulroney said.
Asked whether the city is broken, Mulroney stopped short of that characterization, but acknowledged serious problems. "Certainly not doing well," he said, extending that concern to the national level and criticizing political rhetoric that he believes deepens division.
While Mulroney emphasized that he has no immediate plans to enter the race, his remarks represent a clear political signal. By endorsing Bradford and openly discussing his own future ambitions, Mulroney has positioned himself as a possible figure in Toronto's next political chapter.
The full episode is streaming now.