Keesmaat narrows gap in Toronto mayoral race, but Tory still has big lead
Posted September 4, 2018 6:53 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Incumbent mayor John Tory has a sizeable lead in the polls with less than two months to go before the municipal election in Toronto.
A Forum Research poll shows Tory has 65-per-cent support — a drop from 70 per cent in a survey conducted at the end of July.
Support for Tory’s main opponent, Jennifer Keesmaat, has increased since the poll to 35 per cent.
Forum’s president said while Keesmaat has narrowed the gap, Tory’s lead is so great she still needs to gain on him fast to have any hope at the mayor’s chair.
“Keesmaat has narrowed the gap on Tory, but his lead is so substantial she needs more gains, and quickly, to have any hope at the mayor’s chair,” said Lorne Bozinoff.
“But with his approval still higher than half that promises to be a difficult challenge for her.”
Those most likely to support Tory are 55 to 64 years old and live in North York or Etobicoke. Those most likely to support Keesmaat are 35 to 44 years old and live in East York or Scarborough.
More than half say they approve of Tory’s performance as mayor, and one-quarter say they disapprove.
Just over 1,200 people took part in the phone survey on Aug. 27.
Oct. 22 is election day in Toronto.
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