Geddy Lee, the longtime bassist, keyboardist and lead vocalist of the Canadian rock band Rush, has publicly endorsed Toronto City Councillor Brad Bradford for mayor ahead of the city’s election on Monday, October 26, 2026. Lee is known for generally staying out of political debates, making the endorsement notable.
Bradford is one of several candidates challenging incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow. Lee laid out his reasoning in a statement posted on Bradford’s campaign website.
On policy, the two leading candidates overlap in some areas but differ in approach. Bradford has campaigned on increasing housing supply by cutting government red tape and associated costs, boosting police presence, and improving the consistency of public services such as transit and park safety. Chow has focused on expanding public transportation while freezing fares at current levels, growing city-run mental health support services, and pushing energy efficiency initiatives.
Antisemitism a Central Issue
A major factor behind Lee’s endorsement is the rise in antisemitic incidents in Toronto during Chow’s current term. On September 19, 2026, Bradford attended a meeting at a Toronto synagogue where he pledged to take action against the increase in antisemitic attacks. Toronto police data show that in 2025, 82 percent of the city’s 99 reported religious-based hate crimes were directed at Jewish residents.
Bradford and another mayoral candidate who attended the synagogue meeting criticized Chow for not being present. Chow has previously faced criticism over her handling of antisemitism-related issues, including delays in 2025 before she agreed to support creating
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