One day before the filing deadline, veteran Niagara Falls City Councillor Lori Lococo has filed her papers to run for mayor against four-term Mayor Jim Diodati.
Lococo had filed to run for a third term as city councillor back in May but has decided to run for the city’s top job instead.
In a press release, Lococo highlighted her history of voting against tax increases and willingness to speak out against “development interests based outside of Niagara Falls.” Lococo says the city faces critical choices over the next four years and pointed to questions regarding affordability, growth, infrastructure, and public confidence in local government.
“Niagara Falls needs leadership that puts residents first,” said Lococo. “That means responsible spending, honest debate, and decisions driven by the needs of the people who actually live, work, and raise families here.”
Lococo added that it’s time for a different perspective in City Hall’s top job.
“People want a City Hall that listens,” said Lococo. “They want transparency, accountability, and a council culture where different perspectives are welcomed rather than dismissed. I am ready to bring my experience, independence, and commitment to residents to the role of Mayor.”
Lococo has a background as an administrator at one of Niagara Falls’ largest legal firms. She also spent two years at the St. Catharines Court Office as a Court Reporter. She’s also been employed several times by Census Canada in leadership and recruitment roles.
Diodati has been mayor for four straight terms, spanning a total of 16 years, and is seeking a fifth, which would make him, if successful, the city’s longest-serving mayor.
Also running for mayor include Kevin Martineau, Gary Baker, and Paul Manning.
By entering the race, Lococo is Diodati’s first challenger in the 2026 campaign who presently sits on Council.
Diodati has pointed to successes in his time in office, including attracting a university, getting a new hospital built (which remains in progress) and getting GO service to Niagara Falls as cornerstone achievements, all of which he hopes to build on in the coming years.
Diodati told the Niagara Falls Review that “it took years to build the connections and network and to put the teams together and we’ve got excellent forward momentum.”
Lococo, by contrast, thinks that Niagara Falls voters are ready for a change.
Voters will head to the polls on Oct. 26 to elect new mayors and councils across Niagara Region. The nomination deadline for all of those positions is Friday.
