Mayoral carnage in Simcoe County as five go down to defeat
Posted October 27, 2026
New Tecumseth Mayor Richard Norcross was among five incumbent mayors defeated in Monday's municipal election across Simcoe County, while incumbents in Adjala-Tosorontio and Essa Township retained their mayoral seats.
Deputy Mayor Stephanie MacLellan defeated Norcross in New Tecumseth, receiving 7,100 votes, or 61.79 per cent, compared with 3,982 votes, or 34.66 per cent, for Norcross. Jaison Waldman received 408 votes.
The defeat for Norcross ends an approximate 30 year career in elected office going back to his first win on the Hydro Electric Commmission, then councillor and deputy mayor, and mayor.
In Innisfil, sitting Deputy Mayor Kenneth Fowler defeated incumbent Mayor Lynn Dollin, receiving 5,705 votes to Dollin's 4,295. Dollin had served two terms as mayor and more than three decades on council.
In Bradford West Gwillimbury, councillor Nickolas Harper defeated incumbent Mayor James Leduc, receiving 4,579 votes. Leduc received 1,497, while incumbent Deputy Mayor Raj Sandhu received 2,792 after running for mayor.
Leduc's defeat ends a 20-year career on council that included service as a councillor, deputy mayor and mayor.
In Clearview Township, Robert McArthur defeated incumbent Mayor Doug Measures, receiving 3,076 votes to Measures' 2,168.
In Tiny Township, councillor Dave Brunelle defeated incumbent Mayor David Evans in a four-candidate race.
The election also resulted in changes to the deputy mayor's office in several municipalities. In Tiny Township, Karen Zulynik defeated incumbent Deputy Mayor Sean Miskimins.
In Penetanguishene, Suzanne Marchand defeated incumbent Deputy Mayor Dan La Rose, receiving 1,801 votes to La Rose's 1,069.
In Wasaga Beach, Mike Foley defeated incumbent Deputy Mayor Tanya Snell, receiving 6,107 votes to Snell's 5,639.
In Adjala-Tosorontio, Mayor Scott Anderson was re-elected, while Essa Township Mayor Sandie Macdonald also retained office.
Story aided by AI
