Incumbent Patrick Johnstone of Community First New Westminster holds a strong lead in the October 17, 2026, mayoral election, reflected in trader consensus at 72.5% versus 27% for challenger Daniel Fontaine of the New Westminster Progressives. Johnstone's positioning stems from his 2022 victory, council majority backing, and record advancing affordable housing projects, parks expansions, and partnerships on homelessness and addiction responses. Fontaine, a sitting councillor, campaigns on lower property taxes, public safety priorities, reviews of bike lane projects, and greater provincial accountability for housing and health services, drawing support from voters frustrated with recent tax hikes and council dynamics. Recent candidate debates, labour council endorsements for Johnstone, and platform contrasts on safe consumption sites and crisis responses have reinforced the incumbent's edge ahead of voting, with few other declared contenders on the ballot.