By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
The number of candidates seeking a seat on Chatham-Kent council in Election 2026 continues to inch up.
As of press time on May 22, in Chatham’s Ward 6, it’s now a five-way race for two council seats, as Brian Machado and Karen Montgomery have stepped forward. Ben Labadie, Sheila Moir-Martin and incumbent Alysson Storey are also running to represent North West Chatham.
In Ward 8, it’s still an eight-way race for two council seats in South Chatham. Candidates there include Sandra Dorner, Ryan Drouillard, John Duquette, Andy Fisher, Rick Nicholls, Stephani Shill, Scott Thompson and Luke Van Der Vliet.
The number of people running to represent Ward 7 (North East Chatham) climbed to eight, with Marc King and Doug Robbins throwing their hats in the ring to run for two available seats. Steve Adkins; Michael Fife; incumbent Amy Finn; Larry Hutchins and Steve Kenney are also on the ballot.
Outside Chatham, four people are vying to represent South West Kent’s Ward 1, with Mark Authier, Michael Bond, Andrea Palmer and Gerhard Taves seeking a chair. Two seats are up for grabs.
Ward 2, South East Kent, sees five people in a race for two seats, as Hassan Tariq has announced his candidacy. Chad Carnie; Matthew Giffin, Matt Lamarche and Brad Snobelen are also in the running.
In Wallaceburg’s Ward 5, four people are currently looking to represent Chatham-Kent’s second most populous community, with Zac Nicholson stepping forward to run against Brendan Authier, Jason Debuck and David Hyatt. Two seats are available in the ward.
Ward 3 candidates looking to serve the constituents of North East Kent include Cory Couture, Emery Huszka and Matthew Pietens. One seat is available.
The contest for a single seat in North West Kent’s Ward 4 is still a three-way race, with newcomers John Cummings and Kirk Hooker going up against incumbent Rhonda Jubenville.
Three candidates have announced they are running to become Chatham-Kent’s top elected official with councillor Lauren Anderson, Michael Bondy and newcomer Nelson Burm vying for the mayor’s chair.
Nominations for the municipal election to be held Oct. 26 are open until Aug. 21. Anyone interested in running can access all the information on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s webpage.