For the first time in 38 years, Sarnia has a new mayor.
Carrie McEachran captured 13,828 votes during the 2026 municipal election on Monday, defeating incumbent Mike Bradley by 6,643 votes and ending his tenure after 11 terms.
Speaking with Sarnia News Today after being declared the winner, McEachran was stunned.
"I'm in shock," McEachran said. "I'm grateful to the community and I think the City of Sarnia has spoken and they're really wanting change. Having said that, Mayor [Mike] Bradley has done such an amazing job and I really have to recognize all the work he's done and we're really lucky to have had him over the last 38 years."
The CEO of Sarnia-Lambton's Chamber of Commerce took a leave from her job in June to join the race for Sarnia mayor.
"My whole platform was based around what the people of Sarnia were telling me, not what I wanted for the City of Sarnia, and for me it was a big eye opener. I based the past four years on the business community and hearing from them, but hearing from other sectors and other people in the community... it's a big eye opener for me, but the City of Sarnia was ready for this," she said.
With campaigning complete and a victory secured, McEachran shared one of her immediate plans.
"Sleep a lot! I'm going to sleep," McEachran said laughing. "But my plan is just put me in there and get me to work because I am just so excited."
When asked about uncollaborative behaviour during previous terms of council, the political newcomer said that's behind us now.
"That's in the past, we're not even going to worry about that stuff anymore. We're putting it behind us and we're moving forward," said McEachran. "We've got a good council and new leadership and we're ready to take this on."
About 100 enthusiastic supporters celebrated with McEachran at The Gallery in downtown Sarnia as the results came in.
She was also joined on the ballot by Bill Dennis, Scott Molson, and George Stanko. Stanko withdrew from the race in October, but it was after the official deadline on August 21, so his name still appeared on the ballot.
"Well tonight didn’t go the way that I wanted it to, or the way that my supporters wanted it to," Dennis said in a Facebook post. "It is nonetheless the voice of the people that has spoken. I want to congratulate Mayor elect Carrie McEachern (sic) and wish her the wisdom and fortitude that will be necessary in the next four years. I want to thank Mayor Mike Bradley for his decades of service to this community, a community that we all love."
McEachran campaigned on a platform of strong municipal leadership, fiscal responsibility, and collaboration between city council, county council, staff, and local businesses.
With over two decades of executive leadership experience, she's promising a fresh vision focused on accountability and community respect at city hall.
