Incumbent Jim Diodati seeks a fifth term in the October 26, 2026, Niagara Falls mayoral election, benefiting from established name recognition, community ties in key demographics, and backing from LiUNA tied to the proposed $3.6 billion south Niagara hospital project. Lori Lococo, the leading challenger and two-term councillor, has secured endorsements including from the Niagara Falls Professional Firefighters Association and has emphasized issues such as public safety and leadership change during recent debates. Other certified candidates including Michael Lucid, Paul Manning, and Kevin Martineau trail with narrower platforms focused on taxes, infrastructure, and accountability. Trader consensus on Polymarket reflects Diodati's incumbency edge and limited shifts from late-campaign developments one week before voting.