20,262 votes end a 45-year mayoral dynasty in Milton

George Minakakis will become the new mayor of Milton, Ontario, following the 2026 municipal election held on Oct. 26.

Unofficial results released at 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 26, after all 38 polling stations reported, show Minakakis received 20,262 votes. That figure represents 45.20 per cent of the total ballots cast. His closest competitor was incumbent Gord Krantz, who garnered 11,398 votes, or 25.43 per cent of the total. The outcome marks the first time since 1980 that Milton has elected a new mayor.

Krantz, who was first sworn in on Dec. 1, 1980, served as mayor for 45 years. His tenure made him the longest-serving mayor in Ontario history, a record that stood well above the previous benchmark set by Mississauga’s Hazel McCallion, who served for 36 years. Krantz acknowledged the shift in power during a post-election address, noting that voters chose to end his service rather than have him retire on his own terms. He stated that he believes he laid a strong foundation for the town.

Minakakis, who won a Ward 1 byelection in late 2025 to join the council, campaigned on his corporate background and economic development plans. He told supporters that the community is entering a new era of growth driven by social, economic, and technological changes. He pledged to maintain Milton’s status as a town rather than converting it to a city. He also announced plans to reinstate a community-owned Canada Day celebration with fireworks.

Voter participation surged in this election cycle. A total of 44,995 eligible voters cast ballots, representing a 40.71 per cent turnout. This is a substantial increase from the 2022 election, when 23,298 people, or 28.99 per cent of the electorate, voted. Advance polling also saw a major spike, with 15,538 ballots cast over four days, more than double the 6,897 advance votes recorded in 2022.

Zainab Azim, a political newcomer, placed third with 6,203 votes, or 13.84 per cent. She attributed her result to the efforts of approximately 300 volunteers and a desire among residents to make Milton a more affordable and inclusive place to live and work. The newly elected council will hold its inaugural meeting on Nov. 16.

The remaining eight council seats were filled by a mix of incumbents and challengers. Owen Gray won the Ward 1 town seat with 5,896 votes. Colin Best retained the Ward 1 regional seat with 9,059 votes. Patrick Murphy took the Ward 2 town seat with 4,941 votes, while John Challinor moved to the Ward 2 regional seat with 7,402 votes. Adil Khalqi kept the Ward 3 town seat with 7,415 votes, and Rick Di Lorenzo won the Ward 3 regional seat with 5,903 votes. Giles Vanderholt claimed the Ward 4 town seat with 3,465 votes, and Sarah Marshall secured the Ward 4 regional seat with 6,037 votes.