We watched election results roll in with the other Chow, Toronto’s third place mayoral finisher - Toronto Star

The third-place finisher in the race, Braeden’s campaign was marked by confusion over the fact he shares a last name with the mayor.

The third-place finisher in the race, Braeden Chow’s campaign was marked by confusion over the fact he shares a last name with incumbent Olivia Chow. 

It’s nearing 10 p.m. on Monday night and Mick E Fynn’s is nearly empty as the televisions overhead announce Olivia Chow as the winner of the 2026 Toronto mayoral race.

On one side of the bar, a table of eight chats quietly amongst themselves. On the other, a server pours another pint of Blue Moon Ale for Braeden Chow.

The third-place finisher in the race, Braeden’s campaign was marked by confusion over the fact he shares a last name with the mayor.

Sitting by himself at the bar before the final votes were tallied, Braeden has just 7,800 votes, compared to Chow’s more than 170,000, but still, he remained optimistic.

“It’s better than I expected,” Braeden says. “I just need a few more votes. Maybe the mail-in ballots, y’know?”

Ed Keenan and Ben Spurr discuss the Toronto mayoral election and Olivia Chow's win.

A veteran campaign manager might say Braeden’s ideas were outlandish. He wanted to introduce a system of tax cuts for billionaires who donate to local charities, and launch “the Toronto app,” an augmented reality software that would see citizens earn virtual currency – or “gems” – through acts of social service and good grades in school. His campaign consisted solely of a website domain and two AI photos of himself.

“I didn’t want to call myself, like, this young, fresh candidate, but I just think those are pretty good ideas,” Braeden said. “So I guess I could be.”

“Vibes up, business up, economy up.”

Three Star commentators share their takes on Chow’s victory — and what it means for the city.