Azaroff exits Vancouver mayoral race, leaves Pete Fry as lone progressive

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim's re-election campaign now faces a single progressive challenger, following William Azaroff's withdrawal from the race. Azaroff, the community housing CEO, announced his decision at a news conference, fulfilling a campaign promise to run a single progressive candidate to defeat Sim and his ABC Vancouver party.

Stephanie Allen of COPE had previously dropped out, but Azaroff chose not to follow suit, leading to speculation and calls for him to do so. Azaroff's withdrawal leaves Pete Fry, a Vancouver Greens councillor since 2018, as the sole progressive candidate in the October 17 election. The Vancouver Greens have praised Fry for his campaign, describing him as "the clear alternative to Ken Sim" in the upcoming election.

Sim also faces opposition from his former chief of staff, Kareem Allam, a member of the Vancouver Liberals, and former councillor Colleen Hardwick of TEAM for a Livable Vancouver. Despite his departure, Allam stated that he will carry many of Azaroff's ideas forward in the Vancouver Liberal campaign. TEAM also thanked Azaroff for his contributions to the political debate.