Mark Sutcliffe maintains a commanding lead in the Ottawa mayoral race as the incumbent seeking a second term, bolstered by broad name recognition, endorsements from former mayors and provincial figures, and a fragmented field of challengers. Recent polling shows him ahead among decided voters despite some erosion in personal approval, with the opposition split primarily among city councillor Jeff Leiper, homebuilder Alex Lawson, and economist Neil Saravanamuttoo. Key campaign themes include housing affordability, transit improvements, public safety measures, homelessness reduction, and taxes, areas where Sutcliffe has released targeted platforms on hiring first responders and expanding affordable units. With voting day set for October 26 and advance polls approaching, the race remains defined by incumbency advantages and the challenge of consolidating anti-incumbent support.