Canada’s Longest-Serving Mayor, 89, Seeks Re-Election for a 22nd Time

At 89 years old, Gordon Krantz, Canada’s longest-serving mayor, has announced he will seek re-election in this October’s municipal election, entering the 22nd election campaign of his remarkable political career.

Krantz has served as Mayor of Milton, Ontario, since 1980, making him the longest-serving mayor in Canadian history. His political journey began even earlier, when he first ran for town council in 1965.

“The job is never complete”

Announcing his candidacy, Krantz dismissed suggestions that age should determine whether someone continues serving in public office.

“The job was never complete,” he said, explaining that municipal government is a continuous process of responding to new challenges and improving the community.

Krantz added that he believes he still has “another good four years” to contribute to Milton’s future, saying experience and stability remain valuable as the rapidly growing town continues to expand.

A historic political career

Gordon Krantz has become one of Canada’s most recognizable municipal leaders through his extraordinary longevity in public office.

During his tenure, Milton has transformed from a small town into one of Ontario’s fastest-growing municipalities, with significant population growth, housing development and infrastructure expansion occurring under his leadership.

His record surpassed the late Hazel McCallion’s celebrated tenure as mayor of Mississauga, cementing Krantz’s place in Canadian municipal history.

A competitive election ahead

Krantz is expected to face competition in the October 26, 2026, municipal election, including Milton Regional Councillor Sameera Ali, who has already declared her candidacy for mayor. Other candidates are also expected to join the race before nominations close.

In the 2022 election, Krantz secured one of the closest victories of his career, defeating former regional councillor and current Ontario MPP Zee Hamid by roughly 1,000 votes.

Experience versus change

As Milton prepares for another municipal election, voters will once again decide between one of Canada’s most experienced local leaders and candidates promising a new direction for the rapidly expanding community.

For Krantz, however, retirement is not yet on the agenda. More than 46 years after first becoming mayor, he says his motivation remains unchanged: serving a community whose work, in his words, is “never complete.”