Dawn Danko says she will not seek the Ward 8 Council seat in a by-election, and added that it is her opinion City Council should fill the seat by appointment with someone who will not run in the upcoming 2026 regular municipal election.
When asked if she was interested in seeking the vacant council seat, Danko responded, “No, not at this time. No.”
She confirmed this was a firm no, that she will not run in the pending by-election.
Danko was first elected as the Ward 7 Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Trustee in 2014. Hamilton’s ward boundaries changed in 2018, the Ward 7 / 8 boundary shifted west to Upper Wellington from Upper James. The change resulted in her living within the new Ward 8 boundary.
Danko decided to continue representing Ward 7 on the school board, her husband, John-Paul, ran for the Ward 8 City Council seat in 2018.
Both Dankos won their respective races in 2018 and 2022.
Dawn unsuccessfully ran for the Ontario Liberal Party in this year’s provincial election. John-Paul successfully ran for the Liberal Party of Canada, and is now the Member of Parliament for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas. His victory created the Ward 8 vacancy.
A majority of City Council members have stated they will vote to call a by-election.
Council will debate the issue of a by-election versus appointment at next week’s May 28 Council ratification meeting.
Production Details
v. 1.0.0
Published: May 20, 2025
Last updated: May 20, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version
Are we watching the creation of a political dynasty?
Good on you Dawn, I think this is best for a number of reasons but especially for your own personal integrity, if I may.