Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald to Step Down as Essex County Warden

Hilda MacDonald, the first woman elected as Warden of Essex County, announced on Thursday that she will not seek reappointment. She made the declaration during her State of the County address at the Ciociaro Club, an event hosted by the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce. The decision ends her tenure in the role she has held since November 2022.

The position of Warden is not a direct election but is selected by the 14 mayors and deputy mayors representing the seven local municipalities in the region. The term lasts four years. MacDonald, who has served as mayor of Leamington since 2018, described the combined roles as equivalent to two full-time jobs. She noted that the Warden role demands attendance at numerous events and carries substantial responsibility.

MacDonald argued that the role should rotate among different municipalities to provide wider opportunities. She stated that she believes no one should serve consecutive terms in the Warden position. She emphasized that while she is stepping down from the county role, she intends to run for another term as Leamington mayor. She expressed a continued interest in local government, citing the ability to influence long-lasting community changes alongside her council and administrative team.

The next municipal elections in Ontario are scheduled for October 26, 2026. The selection of the new Warden and Deputy Warden will occur after that date, as the sitting council of mayors and deputy mayors will cast their votes. MacDonald’s announcement sets the stage for a new leadership cycle in Essex County governance.

She acknowledged the physical and mental demands of the job, noting that she is not young and must pace herself. She concluded her remarks by affirming her love for public service and her commitment to seeing projects through with her colleagues, despite leaving the county-wide representative post.