First candidates file for 2026 Sarnia municipal election as nomination period opens

Four candidates enter mayoral and council races on opening day, with nominations open until August 21, 2026

Four candidates have entered the race for municipal office in Sarnia, filing their nomination papers on May 1, the opening day of the nomination period for the 2026 municipal election.

According to the city’s unofficial candidate list, Bill Dennis and Chrissy McRoberts have both filed to run for mayor. Clara James and Mark Lamore have filed for city and county council.

While the early filings mark the official start of the race, more candidates are expected in the coming months. Longtime Mayor Mike Bradley, who has served in the role since 1988 for nearly four decades, has historically filed his nomination later in the process rather than on opening day.

Nominations for municipal office opened May 1 and will remain open until August 21, 2026, which is the official deadline for candidates to file.

No candidates have been listed for city councillor or school board trustee positions yet.