Francis wins Windsor mayor race with 28,204 votes

Fred Francis defeated incumbent Drew Dilkens in Monday's municipal election in Windsor, securing 28,204 votes to claim the mayor's office. The unofficial results show Francis captured 47.6 percent of the total vote, finishing 8,183 votes ahead of Dilkens, who received 33.8 percent. Kat Pasquach placed third with 7,253 votes.

Francis, the executive director of the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, enters city hall after 12 years serving as the councillor for Ward 1. He stated that voters sought change and that his campaign tapped into that desire with specific policies. "I’m grateful and humbled that the majority of Windsor voters trusted us and believed in our plan," Francis said.

Speaking at the Fogular Furlan Club, Francis identified repealing the provincially legislated Strong Mayor Powers as a Day One priority. He said his administration would figure out how to remove the authority and simply not use it. These powers allow the mayor to propose the budget, veto council bylaws tied to provincial priorities, and appoint or dismiss the Chief Administrative Officer and department heads.

Francis described the election as a mandate for change and downtown revitalization. "The wheels are turning already, and my mind, the election’s over as far as I consider it," he said. "Now it’s about the work, and I’m really looking forward to the work."

Dilkens, who served 20 years on council including 12 as mayor, cited the new Fancsy Family Hospital and the NextStar Battery Plant as key achievements. "Economic development is something I focused greatly on. We landed, basically landed the unicorn with the NextStar battery factory," Dilkens said. He noted that losing is not a new feeling, having lost his first council bid in 2003 before winning the next race.

The next council term will include four new members and one returning former councillor. Darcie Renaud replaces Francis in Ward 1. Chris Holt returns to Ward 4, while Ken Acton takes the Ward 5 seat. Jeremy Renaud was elected in Ward 6, and Mark Masanovich won Ward 10 after defeating two-term incumbent Jim Morrison, who placed third.

Five incumbent councillors won re-election: Frazier Fathers in Ward 2, Renaldo Agostino in Ward 3, Angelo Marignani in Ward 7, Gary Kaschak in Ward 8, and Kieran McKenzie in Ward 9. The results remain subject to official certification.