Frank Scarpitti holds a commanding position in the 2026 Markham mayoral contest as the long-serving incumbent first elected in 2006 and re-elected through 2022 with 64 percent support. Nominations closed in late August with only two challengers—Martin Ross and Stephen Edgell—both first-time candidates entering a race against an established officeholder with decades of municipal and regional council experience. Online voting runs October 16–26 ahead of final in-person balloting, and trader consensus reflects Scarpitti’s repeated victories, limited field, and visibility on local priorities such as growth management and infrastructure. A late surge by either challenger, unusually high turnout among dissatisfied voters, or an unforeseen campaign development could narrow the margin before results are certified.