Who leads Essex County Council next? Two run for warden, two for deputy
Essex County warden race: Tecumseh's Joe Bachetti and Essex's Rob Shepley are running, the County says. Deputy warden: Lakeshore's Tracey Bailey and LaSalle's Michael Akpata. Declarations close Nov. 10. County council votes Nov. 18.
Topics: Council and City Hall
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The race to lead Essex County Council for the new term is taking shape, with two candidates for Warden and two for Deputy Warden so far.
Tecumseh's Joe Bachetti and Essex Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley have announced their intention to run for Warden, the County of Essex said in a Nov. 6, 2026 news release. AM800 News reported the same two Warden candidates the same day.
Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey and LaSalle Deputy Mayor Michael Akpata have announced their intention to run for Deputy Warden, according to the County release and AM800 News.
Candidates have until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10 to declare their intention to run for Warden or Deputy Warden, the County said. County councillors will elect a Warden and Deputy Warden by secret ballot at their meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026.
Outgoing Warden Hilda MacDonald, the County's first female Warden, is stepping aside from the role but will continue to serve on County Council as a representative for Leamington, according to the County.
What it means for you
Essex County Council is made up of the mayors and deputy mayors of the seven local municipalities, and they elect the Warden and Deputy Warden from their own ranks. Residents do not elect the Warden directly. County Council meetings are held in the Civic Centre at 360 Fairview Ave. W. in Essex and are livestreamed. More candidates could still declare before the Nov. 10 deadline.
Sources: County of Essex, Hilda MacDonald Celebrated at Warden's Banquet, Nov. 6, 2026 ( County of Essex, County Council page ( AM800 News, Two candidates enter race for Essex County warden, Nov. 6, 2026 (
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