Niagara Falls Councillor Lococo Launches Mayoral Bid Challenging Long-Serving Incumbent

NIAGARA FALLS, ON — City Councillor Lori Lococo officially altered her election registration Thursday morning, submitting nomination papers to challenge incumbent Mayor Jim Diodati in the upcoming October municipal election.

Mayoral Race Stakes and Platform Priorities

Councillor Lococo, a two-term councilmember known for grassroots tenant advocacy and fiscal scrutiny, announced a campaign centered on municipal transparency, neighborhood infrastructure repair, and strict accountability for tourist district development incentives. Her platform challenges the administration’s handling of downtown revitalization grants and calls for dedicated municipal investments in affordable non-profit housing.

Mayor Jim Diodati, who has held office since 2010, is seeking a historic fifth consecutive term, campaigning on major tourism expansions, regional transit integration, and commercial investment attraction.

Community Reaction and Civic Engagement

Local political analysts noted that the head-to-head mayoral contest provides Niagara Falls voters with a clear ideological choice between established tourism-led economic development and progressive community-focused neighborhood investment.

The Niagara Regional Chamber of Commerce confirmed it will host televised mayoral debates in late September.

Certification and Campaign Schedule

Candidate nominations officially close at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 21, 2026, with formal campaign debates commencing following Labour Day.