Peterborough city councillor Stephen Wright has announced his intention to run for Mayor of Peterborough in the October 24, 2022 municipal election.
Wright, one of the two councillors for Northcrest Ward, made the announcement on a Zoom call on Friday morning (March 4).
He is the first person to declare an intention to run for mayor. Incumbent mayor Diane Therrien — who is currently on temporary leave because of personal health issues — announced on November 12 she would not be seeking a second term.
Although Wright has announced his intention to run, he cannot legally launch a campaign until the nomination period begins on May 2 and he has filed his candidacy.
“Today’s announcement is to answer the question that many have been asking: are you going to run or not?” Wright said. “So today is about answering that question that I do intend on filing those nomination papers on May 3 and will be running for the office of mayor.”
While Wright says he will officially launch his campaign on May 3, his opening remarks during the announcement sounded like he was already campaigning.
“I’m asking you to choose progress, I’m asking you to choose opportunity, I’m asking you to choose a brighter future for Peterborough,” he said. “Together we will build on the promises, progress of today and leave a legacy of a vibrant and prosperous Peterborough for tomorrow.”
First elected as Northcrest Ward 5 councillor in 2018, Wright has lived in Peterborough for more than 20 years.
