Hamilton Coun. Rob Cooper throws hat into ring for mayor position

Hamilton’s Ward 8 Coun. Rob Cooper announced Sunday his candidacy as the city’s mayor, after winning his seat on council last September in a by-election.

He’s a chartered professional accountant who said in a statement he has a “clear plan to restore safety, affordability and economic strength” to the city.

Cooper won his seat as the Ward 8 councillor following a tight by-election race, after the previous councillor John-Paul Danko vacated the seat to become the Liberal MP for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas.

In a statement, Cooper’s mayoral platform will focus on: keeping taxes affordable, tackling violent crime, confronting the housing crisis, and repairing and rebuilding infrastructure.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton Ward 8 votes in new city councillor after tight byelection race

“Hamilton has the talent, location, industrial base, and entrepreneurial spirit to become the economic engine of Canada,”” Cooper said in the statement. “With strong leadership, disciplined financial management, and a clear vision, we can unlock that potential and build a safer, more affordable, and more prosperous city for everyone.”

The announcement follows after Keanin Loomis, the head of the ‘Canadian Institute of Steel Construction announced he was running again for Hamilton mayor.

Loomis narrowly lost the 2022 election to mayor Andrea Horwath.

WATCH MORE: Keanin Loomis launches second bid for Hamilton mayor