Brantford residents will be heading back to the polls on December 7, 2026, to elect a new Member of Parliament for Brantford–Brant South. But before the campaign has officially gotten underway, the Conservative Party's choice of candidate has already generated considerable discussion locally.
Brantford's outgoing mayor, Kevin Davis, has been appointed as the Conservative Party of Canada's candidate by party leader Pierre Poilievre. The decision has attracted attention not only because of Davis's move from municipal to federal politics, but also because the party chose to appoint him rather than hold a local nomination contest.
Here's what happened and what residents should know ahead of the upcoming vote.
Kevin Davis Selected as Conservative Candidate
On September 20, 2026, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre announced at a rally in Brantford that Mayor Kevin Davis would represent the party in the upcoming federal by-election.
Davis has served as Brantford's mayor since December 2018 and previously worked as a partner at a local law firm. He has announced that he will not be seeking another term as mayor.
The Conservative Party's decision places Davis in the running to represent Brantford–Brant South in the House of Commons in Ottawa.
The seat became vacant following the resignation of Conservative MP Larry Brock, who stepped down on September 18, 2026, to return to his previous career as an assistant Crown attorney.
Brock had represented the riding for approximately five years, winning elections in both 2021 and 2025.
Why Was the Appointment Controversial?
The announcement of Davis as the Conservative candidate came as a surprise to some local party members.
Before the announcement, local pastor and longtime Conservative Party member Dave Carrol had been working toward securing the party's nomination. Brock had publicly supported Carrol as his preferred successor, even appearing with him in a social media video shortly before the announcement.
However, rather than allowing party members to choose their candidate through a traditional nomination contest, Poilievre used his authority as party leader to appoint Davis directly.
The decision prompted visible reactions at the September 20 rally. Former Brantford–Brant MP Phil McColeman and Larry Brock were among those who expressed their displeasure with the decision. McColeman had represented the area for 13 years before Brock.
The Conservative Party defended the appointment, stating that the decision was made to ensure a candidate was in place and ready to begin campaigning.
Party representatives also indicated that Davis had received significant support from local Conservative organizers and members.
Under the party's rules, the national leader has the authority to appoint candidates in certain ridings rather than require a nomination contest.
Dave Carrol Announces Independent Candidacy
Following the Conservative Party's decision, Dave Carrol announced on October 28 that he would run as an independent candidate in the federal by-election.
Carrol is a longtime Brantford resident, pastor and community advocate. He is known locally as a founding member of Freedom House, an organization established in 2003 that has been involved in several community initiatives.
His community involvement has included affordable housing initiatives, Frosty Fest, the annual Santa Claus Parade and other local events.
Carrol previously served as president of the local Conservative electoral district association and has been involved in Conservative politics for approximately two decades.
In announcing his independent candidacy, Carrol explained that running independently would allow him to work with representatives from any political party to advocate for the needs of Brantford–Brant South.
Former MP Phil McColeman has publicly endorsed Carrol's decision to run independently, continuing to voice his concerns about the Conservative Party's decision to bypass an open nomination process.
Carrol's candidacy adds another dimension to the upcoming election, as voters will now have an independent option who was originally seeking the Conservative nomination.
Who Else Is Running?
The federal by-election will determine who replaces Larry Brock as the representative for Brantford–Brant South.
As of November 2, 2026, the candidates attracting attention include:
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Kevin Davis: Conservative Party of Canada candidate and outgoing Brantford mayor.
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Dave Carrol: Independent candidate, longtime community advocate and former Conservative nomination hopeful.
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Joy O'Donnell: Liberal Party candidate.
The candidate field may change as the election process continues. Residents can consult Elections Canada's official candidate information for the most current list.
When Is the Brantford–Brant South By-Election?
Prime Minister Mark Carney officially announced on November 1, 2026, that the Brantford–Brant South federal by-election will take place on Monday, December 7, 2026.
Other federal by-elections will also be held on the same day in Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan.
Important voting dates for Brantford–Brant South include:
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Advance voting: November 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2026.
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Election Day: Monday, December 7, 2026.
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Election Day voting hours: 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time.
Voters can use Elections Canada's website to confirm their registration, find their assigned polling station and review available voting options.
Official information: https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?dir=2026/35015&document=index&lang=e§ion=ele
Why This Election Matters to Brantford and Brant County
Although municipal elections determine who makes decisions at City Hall, federal elections determine who represents residents in Canada's House of Commons.
The next MP for Brantford–Brant South will represent local residents on federal matters, including housing affordability, immigration, infrastructure funding, economic development, employment and federal programs.
For a growing community like Brantford and the surrounding area, federal decisions can have a direct impact on local services, housing opportunities, transportation and economic growth.
The upcoming by-election is also particularly interesting because of the circumstances surrounding the Conservative candidate selection. The decision to appoint Davis instead of holding a nomination contest has created a separate conversation about party leadership, local representation and the role of grassroots party members.
Ultimately, residents will have the opportunity to decide who they believe will best represent their interests in Ottawa.
With voting scheduled for December 7, the coming weeks will give candidates an opportunity to share their priorities and explain what they hope to accomplish for Brantford–Brant South.
Stay informed, learn about the candidates and make your voice heard.
Sources
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Elections Canada – Brantford–Brant South By-Election – Official voting dates and voter information.
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Prime Minister of Canada – By-Elections Announced November 1, 2026 – Official announcement of the December 7 election.
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CityNews / The Canadian Press – Conservatives Criticized Over Appointment of Candidate – Details about the appointment and reaction from local Conservatives.
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CHCH News – Poilievre's Brantford Candidate Choice Prompts Conservative Departures – Follow-up coverage of the controversy.
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Brant Beacon – Dave Carrol to Run as Independent – Details about Carrol's independent campaign.