Winnipeg’s first female mayor, Susan Thompson, says she would like to see another woman take the city’s top political office, but the current field of candidates makes that outcome appear unlikely in this fall’s municipal election.
Thompson, who served as Winnipeg’s mayor from 1992 to 1998, remains the only woman to have held the position. She became the city’s first female mayor when she was elected in 1992.
Winnipeg voters are preparing to choose a mayor and city council in the 2026 municipal election, with the city’s mayoral race already attracting attention as candidates campaign on issues including crime, affordability, infrastructure, homelessness and the local economy. The election is scheduled for October 28.
Current Mayor Scott Gillingham, who was elected in 2022, is seeking a second term. Recent polling has suggested that the race could be competitive, with some voters expressing dissatisfaction with the direction of the city.
Despite Thompson’s hopes for greater female representation, the emerging mayoral field has not produced a clear female front-runner capable of challenging Gillingham for the position.
The absence of a strong female contender has renewed discussion about women’s representation in Winnipeg municipal politics. While women have served as councillors and held other leadership positions, the mayor’s office has remained a male-dominated position since Thompson left office nearly three decades ago.
The 2026 election will therefore be closely watched not only for its potential impact on Winnipeg’s policies and priorities, but also for what it could mean for the future of women in the city’s political leadership.
Thompson’s comments come as Winnipeg prepares for a campaign likely to focus heavily on public safety, the cost of living, infrastructure, housing and the delivery of municipal services.
With the election approaching, the race remains fluid, and additional candidates could still enter the contest before the nomination deadline. For now, however, the prospect of Winnipeg electing its second female mayor remains uncertain.
Swifteradio.com
