With Waterloo Region and the rest of the province just five days away from the upcoming municipal election, 6 people have taken their names out of the running, but will still appear on the ballot.
The most recent individual to officially end their campaign is Suzanne Kearns, who was set to run as a Waterloo Catholic District School Board trustee for Kitchener-Wilmot.
“I entered this race because I care deeply about our students, educators, and the future of education in our community,” said Kearns in a statement.
“Over the past several weeks, conversations with a number of former trustees and former board officials have provided valuable insight into the responsibilities, challenges and time commitment involved in the role.”
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She went into detail on the number of reasons she would be dropping out of the race, including how her “professional responsibilities remain an important priority.”
“I have also reflected carefully on what campaigning and serving in this polarized political environment would mean for my family’s privacy and wellbeing,” Kearns stated.
“Weighing these considerations together, I have concluded that stepping away is the right decision.”
Kearns is now the sixth individual to drop out of their respective race as the municipal election draws near, with the list now including:
- Chane Ballantyne – Mayor, Woolwich
- Brian Bourke – WRDSB Trustee, Waterloo-Wilmot
- Carla Johnson – WRDSB Trustee, Cambridge-North Dumfries
- Suzanne Kearns – WCDSB Trustee, Kitchener-Wilmot
- Terry Knarr – Mayor, North Dumfries
- Kiera Upward – Councillor, Wilmot
While those names have taken a step back and will no longer be running in the upcoming election, their names, however, will still appear on the ballot.
It comes as candidates had until Aug. 21 in order to withdraw their names from the election.
“The deadline for formally withdrawing a nomination has passed. I am no longer seeking election, and if my name appears on your ballot, please do not vote for me,” Kearns said in her statement.
The upcoming 2026 municipal election is slated for Monday, Oct. 26, with the full list of candidates and wards able to found on the FM 985 Election page.
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