Minakakis ends 45-year Krantz era in Milton with 20,262 votes

George Minakakis secured the mayoralty of Milton in the 2026 municipal election, ending 45 years of leadership by incumbent Gord Krantz. Unofficial results from all 38 polling stations, finalized by 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 26, showed Minakakis receiving 20,262 votes, or 45.20 percent of the total ballots cast. Krantz finished second with 11,398 votes, representing 25.43 percent of the electorate. The outcome marks the first change in Milton's top office since 1980.

Minakakis, who won a Ward 1 byelection in late 2025, attributed his victory to a community desire for change during a period of rapid growth. He cited his corporate background and economic plans as key campaign themes. "I think what resonated with everyone was that we're heading into a whole new era of growth," Minakakis said, noting that social, economic, and technological shifts were influencing voter sentiment.

Krantz, who was first elected to council in 1965 and sworn in as mayor on Dec. 1, 1980, was Ontario's longest-serving mayor before this election. His tenure exceeded that of Mississauga's Hazel McCallion, who served for 36 years. Acknowledging the result, Krantz stated that citizens decided it was time for him to retire, adding that he believed he had laid a strong foundation for the town.

Minakakis outlined immediate priorities, including maintaining Milton's status as a town rather than converting it to a city. He also promised to restore a municipal Canada Day celebration complete with fireworks. "The town's going to own it," Minakakis said regarding the holiday plans, aiming to unite the community through the event.

Zainab Azim, a political newcomer, placed third with 6,203 votes, or 13.84 percent. Azim credited her campaign team of roughly 300 volunteers for the result. She suggested that while fear may have played a role, hope drove many voters who view Milton as an affordable place to live and work.

Voter turnout increased sharply compared to the previous cycle. A total of 44,995 eligible voters cast ballots, a 40.71 percent participation rate. This figure surpasses the 23,298 voters, or 28.99 percent, who participated in the last election. Advance voting also saw a surge, with 15,538 voters casting ballots during the four-day advance poll period, more than double the 6,897 advance votes recorded in 2022.

The newly elected council will hold its inaugural meeting on Nov. 16. Other elected officials include Ward 1 town councillor Owen Gray and regional councillor Colin Best, Ward 2 town councillor Patrick Murphy and regional councillor John Challinor, Ward 3 town councillor Adil Khalqi and regional councillor Rick Di Lorenzo, and Ward 4 town councillor Giles Vanderholt and regional councillor Sarah Marshall. The town clerk will declare these results official in the coming days.