Mayoral Candidates

Three candidates are running for Mayor of Saint John in the May 11, 2026 election.

Donna Reardon (Incumbent)

The 79th Mayor of Saint John, first elected in 2021. Third woman to serve as Mayor.


Background	Trained dietitian (Mount Saint Vincent University). Office administrator at her husband’s medical practice.
Political experience	Ward 3 councillor (2012–2021), then elected Mayor in 2021.
2021 result	10,089 votes (60.2%) – won decisively
Priorities	Child poverty reduction, climate action, active transportation, evidence-based leadership
Why she’s running again	Cited the U.S. tariff trade war putting Saint John in the national spotlight as motivation to continue leading.

Current Ward 2 councillor, now running for Mayor.


Background	Teacher and coach for decades. Founded the Marigold and Mural Project and the Marco Polo project – community beautification and heritage initiatives in the North End.
Political experience	Ward 2 councillor since 2021. Top vote-getter in Ward 2 that year with 1,760 votes.
Priorities	Economic development, restoring Saint John, education, poverty reduction

Links: Campaign website

Note: By running for Mayor, Ogden is vacating his Ward 2 seat.

Campaign slogan: “A Mayor of the People”


Background	Master barber with close to 40 years of experience. Owner and operator of Lancaster Barber Shop (West Saint John) since 1993. Registrar of the Board for Barbers in New Brunswick.
Military service	Captain in the Canadian Forces Reserve
Political experience	First-time candidate

Links: Campaign website | Facebook | Email | Phone: 506-647-3668