Former mayor Glen Murray backs Noah Redden in Winnipeg mayoral race

Former Winnipeg mayor Glen Murray announced his endorsement of 27-year-old mayoral candidate Noah Redden on Tuesday, a day before the municipal election. Murray, who led the city from 1998 to 2004 and finished second in the 2022 race, said the city needs to compete with larger, wealthier municipalities by improving culture, quality of life, downtown vibrancy, public transit and other services that have been under-invested.

"He represents that generation. I had my last hurrah, it’s time for people like me and Kevin Klein and Scott Gillingham to get out of the way and start nurturing a generation of Winnipeggers who are either going to step up in leadership positions in our city or they’re going to leave to places where they can participate," Murray told the Free Press.

In a news release from Redden’s campaign, Murray described the candidate’s platform as a “thoughtful and pragmatic plan” to restore neighbourhoods, boost the economy and modernise infrastructure. He added that Redden’s proposals for civic engagement were “exciting.”

Redden, positioned on the left-of-centre, has run a grassroots campaign focused on social media. His policy priorities include increased investment in public transit and expanded compassionate care for homeless individuals and those struggling with addiction.

Murray urged voters who previously supported him or progressive candidate Shaun Loney to choose Redden, framing the choice as between continuing the current direction or moving toward a more optimistic, community-focused future.

A recent Abacus Data poll shows incumbent mayor Scott Gillingham leading with 36 % of decided voters, Kevin Klein in second with 19 %, and Redden tied for third with 14 % support. When asked about the endorsement, Gillingham questioned Murray’s residency, to which Murray responded that he lives in Winnipeg, pays local taxes, but also works outside the province, including in Toronto.