The City of Thompson officially opened candidate registration for the mayoral office on May 1, 2026, marking the start of the race for the upcoming civic election. Residents interested in leading the community now have until September 22, 2026, to file their registration papers for the election, which is set to take place on October 28, 2026.
This election will determine who will lead the city for the next term. Thompson, known as the Hub of the North, is governed by a council consisting of a mayor and eight councillors. The city currently serves as a vital provider of health care and retail services to surrounding communities in Northern Manitoba, serving a region with a significant Indigenous population.
The current mayor, Colleen Smook, has served in the role since 2018, when she became the first woman to hold the position in the city. She was re-elected in 2022 after receiving approximately 47 percent of the vote. Outside of her local duties, Mayor Smook has served as the chair of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities Cities Caucus.
According to Manitoba Municipal Relations, which oversees the provincial election process, candidates for municipal office must adhere to the registration window ending in late September. Prospective candidates can find additional information regarding requirements through the provincial government’s election information portal.
