Former Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath is the new mayor of Hamilton, making her the first woman to take on the role.
With 232 of 246 polls reporting, Horwath has just shy of 42 per cent of the popular vote, while her challenger Keanin Loomis is at 40 per cent and Bob Bratina has just 12 per cent.
Horwath served as the voice for Hamilton Centre at Queen’s Park as MPP from 2004 to 2022. She was also leader of the Ontario NDP beginning in 2009 until she resigned on the night of the provincial election this past June.
During her campaign, Horwath vowed to use her extensive Rolodex of contacts, compiled after 25 years in politics, to improve the city. She said she will use a “team Hamilton” approach with MPPs from all orders of government and parties.
When it comes to transparency, Horwath committed to putting a committee together within the first 90 days of her term to invite people to have conversations everyday.
Many citizens expect housing to be much more available and affordable than it currently is. Horwath said construction projects need to happen quicker.
Horwath replaces three-time mayor Fred Eisenberger, who is now retiring.
Voters across Hamilton chose a mayor, 15 councillors and school board trustees during this municipal election.
