**Marilyn Crawford holds a commanding position in the Ajax, Ontario mayoral race ahead of the October 26, 2026 election, reflecting her extensive local government experience and name recognition in an open-seat contest.** Incumbent Mayor Shaun Collier is not seeking re-election, creating an opportunity for candidates including Crawford (current Ward 1 Regional Councillor and former Deputy Mayor), Ashmeed Khan (former councillor), Carion Fenn, Richard Hinds, and Vian Persad. Crawford’s background spans school board trustee, town councillor, and regional roles, with prior re-election margins exceeding 80 percent, multiple deputy mayor terms, and involvement in transit, budgeting, and community boards. Recent activity includes a September 2026 business forum appearance, widespread lawn sign deployment, and endorsements from local stakeholders. The other candidates bring varying council or community experience but less current visibility in voter outreach and forums. With advance voting underway from October 19 and nominations finalized in August, trader consensus appears anchored in Crawford’s established profile and organizational momentum in this first-past-the-post municipal contest. No late-breaking developments have notably altered positioning in recent weeks.