Joe Preston and Andrew Sloan did not file nomination paperwork, so the City of St. Thomas, Ont. and Municipality of Central Elgin will have new mayors. Preston had previously announced in February he would not run again, but it was unclear if Sloan would seek a second term until his official announcement Thursday. “This was not an easy decision,” Sloan wrote on Facebook. “Serving as Mayor has been an incredible honour, and I am very grateful to the residents of Central Elgin for the trust and support you have given me. One of the most rewarding parts of this role has been meeting residents, hearing your ideas and concerns, and learning more about what matters to the people who call Central Elgin home”. He went onto thank his family, municipal staff, and fellow councillors. “Together, Council and staff have laid a strong foundation for a bright future for Central Elgin,” wrote Sloan. “I am proud of what we have accomplished as a team and I am excited to see what the future holds for our community”. The mayoral race in Central Elgin will be between current councillor Morgaine Griffin and former deputy mayor and two-term councillor Dennis Crevits. In St. Thomas there are three candidates vying for the top job in a city with a booming economy. Former mayor Jeff Kohler (2003-2006) is the only one with council experience having served for a total of 22 years. He will be contested by Aidan Frederick and Corey Janzen who filed his nomination papers on the final day Friday. The City of St. Thomas announced key dates for the October election and advised voters to check their eligibility. Key Election Dates • Sept. 1, 2026 — Voters’ List reopens for additions and amendments • Oct. 13, 2026 at 10 a.m. — Voting period begins • Oct. 26, 2026 at 8 p.m. — Voting period closes / Voting Day St. Thomas Council Candidates Mayor: Frederick, Aidan. Janzen, Corey. Kohler, Jeff Councillor (8 elected): Baldwin-Sands, Lori Brisson MikeClarke, Gary Deslandes, Chris Diobe, Alobwedge Gibbs Docherty, Joe, Jr. Gibson, Rose Hamill, Sandra Herbert, Jim Jackson, Heather Male, Malichi Mountenay, Geoff Ogden, Steve Rymal, Joan Staddon, Christopher Taylor, Earl Vaughan, Kay Wookey, Steve Yates, Kyle Central Elgin Council Candidates Mayor: Morgaine Griffin, Dennis Crevits, Deputy Mayor: Meagan Ruddock Ward 1: Lisa Harrison, Cliff Speers Ward 2: Connie Jackson, Darryl Roberts, Linda Westaway Ward 3: Shawn De Neire, Melissa Schneider, Aron West Ward 4: David Conners, Tom Marks, Leigh Mauer Ward 5: David Baughman
