**Incumbent Martin Ritsma holds the strongest trader consensus at 68.5%** for the October 26, 2026, Stratford, Ontario mayoral election, reflecting his established position after winning narrowly in 2022 and his record on council initiatives. The five-candidate field, confirmed after nominations closed in August, includes councillors Jo-Dee Burbach (24.6%) and Mark Hunter (4.6%), 2022 runner-up architect Robert Ritz (5.5%), and resident Andrew Rea (0.7%). Recent candidate debates and forums have centered on housing supply, density, development charges, and local infrastructure, with Ritsma emphasizing partnerships and continuity while challengers highlight alternative approaches. No major late shifts, endorsements, or controversies have altered positioning in the final weeks, leaving the outcome sensitive to turnout among voters prioritizing fiscal and growth issues.