Fred Francis takes Windsor mayorship with 47.6 percent of vote

Windsor voters chose a new direction for the city on Monday by electing Fred Francis as mayor, ending the tenure of incumbent Drew Dilkens. Francis secured 28,204 votes, capturing 47.6 percent of the total, to defeat Dilkens, who received 33.8 percent of the vote. The margin between the two candidates stood at 8,183 votes. Kat Pasquach finished third with 7,253 votes.

Francis, who serves as the executive director of the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, begins his second term in office after serving as the councillor for Ward 1 for the past 12 years. His election follows the departure of his older brother, Eddie Francis, who held the mayoralty for 11 years from December 2003 to November 2014 before being succeeded by Dilkens.

In remarks at the Fogular Furlan Club, Francis identified the repeal of provincially legislated Strong Mayor Powers as his primary objective for the first day in office. He stated that the city would figure out how to remove these powers and that he would not utilize them. He cited the desire for change, downtown revitalization, and the new leadership plan as key drivers for his victory at the polls.

The Strong Mayor Powers grant the mayor the authority to propose the municipal budget, veto council amendments or bylaws tied to provincial priorities, and appoint and dismiss the chief administrative officer and department heads. The powers also allow the mayor to direct staff in writing. Francis said he felt the need for change was evident among voters and that his campaign tapped into that sentiment.

Dilkens, who spent 20 years on city council including 12 as mayor, said he leaves without regret. He highlighted the delivery of the Fancsy Family Hospital and the NextStar Battery Plant as major achievements of his administration. Dilkens described the landing of the NextStar battery factory as a major economic development win. He told reporters that he respects the decision of Windsorites and noted that losing an election is not a new feeling for him, referencing his first loss for council in 2003.

Dilkens expressed confidence in his successor, stating that the next council needs to succeed because their success will be the city's success. He said he was honored to serve as mayor and that no other role would compare to it. Francis said his mind is already on the work ahead, noting that the election is over as far as he is concerned and that he is looking forward to the tasks of the new term.

The new city council will include four new members and one returning former councillor. Five incumbent councillors were re-elected: 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. Four seats were open in this year's election. Darcie Renaud replaces Francis in Ward 1 after running for the ward in the last two elections.

Former Ward 4 councillor Chris Holt returns to his old seat, replacing Mark McKenzie who did not seek re-election. Ken Acton becomes the new councillor for Ward 5, succeeding Ed Sleiman, who served since 2010 and is 83 years old. Jeremy Renaud was elected in Ward 6 to replace Jo-Anne Gignac, who did not seek re-election after 23 years on council. In Ward 10, Mark Masanovich won the seat, defeating two-term incumbent Jim Morrison who finished third. Masanovich had lost to Morrison by 138 votes in the 2022 race.