Jason Farr makes it three in Ward 2 race

So, he's in. Coun. Jason Farr is running for re-election in Ward 2.

The incumbent was one of the last to state his intentions for the Oct. 24 vote. But Wednesday, Farr, who was first elected in 2010, officially entered the contest.

The decision came after in-depth consultations and burgeoning support," he said in a Twitter post. With unprecedented challenges ahead, more than ever, council will need experienced and results driven leadership."

His competition is Cameron Kroetsch, who also took on Farr in 2018. Raquel Rakovac is also a candidate in the downtown ward.

Farr takes the plunge after failing to win Hamilton East-Stoney Creek for the Liberals in the June provincial election.

The only other incumbent whose election intentions remain unclear is Ward 14's Terry Whitehead.

In June, the city's integrity commissioner docked him 45 days' pay after finding he bullied staff. Whitehead, who has rejected the findings, said he planned to return to sick leave for an undisclosed illness following a lengthy absence last year.

Still MPP?

Mayoral candidate Andrea Horwath is still Hamilton Centre's MPP. But she plans to submit her resignation to the Ontario legislature next week, her campaign says.

Once a seat becomes vacant, a byelection must be called within six months. In the interim, the party whip - the NDP in Horwath's case - takes responsibility for the riding and its constituents.

On Friday, the Hamilton and District Labour Council announced its endorsement of the former NDP leader. We believe that she will be a warrior for working-class people in this city," president Anthony Marco said.

Rival candidate, Keanin Loomis, meanwhile, has secured the endorsement of Laborers' International Union of North America.

Four others are in the race:

Bob Bratina, former MP and mayor; Ejaz Butt, a former taxi union official who ran in 2014; Solomon Ikhuiwu, who didn't immediately respond to a request for information; Paul Fromm, a white nationalist who ran in 2018.

Acclamation in Ward 6

With the Aug. 19 deadline to file papers at city hall, candidate rosters are growing across the city.

But Coun. Tom Jackson remains the lone wolf in Ward 6. If a competitor doesn't emerge, the veteran east Mountain incumbent will be acclaimed. Jackson, who was first elected in 1988 and is council's longest-serving member, noted a competition-free re-election would be a first for him.

In the past, the number of opponents have ranged from one to eight, he said. I never take any election (or the electorate) for granted."

Teviah Moro is a reporter at The Spectator. tmoro@thespec.com