Brad Bradford has already raised $1.8 million for his Toronto mayoral campaign. Here’s what that might mean for his chances of beating Olivia Chow

Zachary Taylor, director of Western University’s local government program, said it’s “kind of astonishing” that the councillor has raised so much at this early stage. He said it’s an indication that Bradford has become the “consensus candidate” among more right-leaning donors hoping to block Chow, a veteran progressive, from a second term.

In addition to raising money, Bradford has been busy assembling a campaign team that includes well-known operatives form Conservative and Liberal circles.

Mike Van Soelen, a partner at the Oyster Group public affairs firm, and former Liberal strategist Genevieve Tomney are co-chairs, while his campaign is being managed by John Sinclair, former deputy chief of staff to Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre. Sinclair was also chief of staff for Scarborough-Rouge Park councillor Jennifer McKelvie as well as executive director of the Ontario PC caucus under Premier Doug Ford.

Laryssa Waler, Ford’s former executive director of communications, is Bradford’s communications director, while Isha Chaudhuri, former communications adviser to Ontario PC Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce, is press secretary.

This bud is failing the Gaza litmus test among other red (blue) flags.

Donate to Chow if you can. I just did.

Things look too close for comfort:

Someone called Brad Bradford should have the strongest constitution when it comes to curry heat of anyone.

Isn't this guy the only Council person to have not voted yes to LRT and Streetcar transit priority?