Major changes are already taking shape ahead of the 2026 municipal election in Norfolk County, with voters set to elect a new mayor and several new faces around the council table.
Current Ward 5 councillor Doug Brunton has officially filed nomination papers to run for mayor rather than seek re-election in his current ward seat. Brunton now joins former councillor Noel Haydt in the race for Norfolk County’s top municipal position.
The mayor’s race opened earlier this month after current Mayor Amy Martin announced she would not seek another term. Martin’s decision guarantees Norfolk County will elect a new mayor once ballots are cast later this year.
The upcoming election will also bring change to Delhi representation on council. Last week, longtime Ward 3 councillor Mike Columbus announced during a council meeting that he would not seek re-election. Columbus has served on Norfolk County council since the municipality was created in 2001 and received a standing ovation from fellow councillors and attendees following his announcement.
At least one new councillor is also expected in Simcoe-area representation. Brunton’s decision to seek the mayor’s chair leaves one of Ward 5’s two council seats open.
