{
  "id": 13609029,
  "title": "‘Not going anywhere’: Frances Nunziata clarifies reports she’s dropping out of municipal election race",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/not-going-anywhere-frances-nunziata-clarifies-reports-shes-dropping",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-11T01:44:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CityNews",
    "slug": "citynews",
    "url": "https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/10/10/frances-nunziata-clarifies-reports-shes-dropping-out-of-municipal-election-race/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Councillor Frances Nunziata has refuted recent reports suggesting she would withdraw from the municipal election race, stating on Saturday that she remains a candidate. The news outlet CityNews had reported on Friday that Nunziata, a York South-Weston representative since 1997, was dropping out with less than two weeks left until the election. Nunziata, who did not respond to the claim directly on Friday, issued a statement on Saturday, affirming her commitment to the race and dismissing the report as \"categorically false.\"\n\nNunziata expressed her disappointment in the \"false information\" surrounding her candidacy, particularly during the advance polling period, which she believed could mislead voters. \"I urge anyone circulating these false claims to stop immediately,\" she urged. Nunziata, the longest-serving member of city council and a speaker since 2010, emphasized her dedication to public service. \"For over 40 years, I have dedicated my life to public service,\" she stated, noting her ability to adapt, face challenges, and tirelessly advocate for the people of York South-Weston. Her commitment remains unwavering, she added, and she is \"fully engaged\" in the campaign, set to compete against Chiara Padovani, who narrowly defeated her in the previous election by 94 votes.\n\nNunziata concluded her statement with a confident message: \"I'm in this race, I'm not going anywhere, I'm not finished fighting for York South-Weston.\"",
  "summary": "Councillor Frances Nunziata clarified reports she would be withdrawing from the municipal election race, saying on Saturday she is still in the race and “not going anywhere.” On Friday, sources told CityNews that Nunziata, who has represented York South-Weston since 1997, would be leaving the race with just over two weeks to go until election […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Frances Nunziata denies CityNews report of dropping out of municipal election race.",
    "Nunziata, York South-Weston representative since 1997, remains a candidate.",
    "Nunziata urges halt to false claims, reaffirms commitment to public service."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Nunziata's statement quashes speculation about her withdrawal, reaffirming her presence in the municipal election and potentially altering the dynamics of the contest in York South-Weston.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}