Todd Attridge to serve as Port Hope’s new mayor

Todd Attridge has won the mayoral race in Port Hope. He is seen here celebrating with Ward 1 Coun. Claire Holloway Wadwhani, who also retained her seat, according to the unofficial election results Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. /Alan Rivett photo

By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt

Port Hopers have decided on a new leader in Todd Attridge for the next council term, according to Monday’s unofficial election results.

Attridge, who was elected as a Ward 1 councillor in 2022, beat out incumbent Olena Hankivsky with 3,593 votes compared to her 2,132 votes, it was announced at the Capitol Theatre on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026.

Five mayoral candidates total were on the ballot, although David Stambrook had ceased his campaign earlier on but still took home 95 votes. Ian West received 595 of the votes, while Angela Grogan secured 543 votes.

There will be a few new faces in council chambers with the addition of Caleb Carisse as a Ward 1 councillor and Jamie Ferguson as a Ward 2 councillor, according to the unofficial results announced Monday night by Port Hope’s returning officer and municipal clerk Shrishma Davé.

Residents gathered at the historic Capitol Theatre to take in results of the 2026 municipal election in-person. /Alan Rivett photo

Ward 1 councillors Adam Pearson and Clarie Holloway Wadhwani were also re-elected, while Vicki Mink – who previously served as a Ward 2 councillor – took home the highest number of votes for a Ward 1 candidate with 2,812 votes.

Adam Pearson has retained his Ward 1 council seat in Port Hope. /Alan Rivett photo

Long-time incumbent Ward 1 Coun. Les Andrews did not retain his seat, following just behind Holloway Wadhwani by about just under 290 votes, again, according to the non-certified results for the evening. Amelia Bray, Miranda Lukaniuk and Norm Orviss were the other Ward 1 candidates who had tossed their hats into the ring.

In Ward 2, Darrell Toms has retained his seat with 869 votes, while Jamie Ferguson collected 1,390 votes. Glenn Deeth finished third with 778 votes.

Official certified results are to be announced by the municipality tomorrow (Oct. 27.)

This is an initial breaking story for the Independent. More to come.