It was the first big campaign event in London's municipal election.
Ed Holder, the city's outgoing mayor, has endorsed Josh Morgan to take his place.
Morgan, who has served on council since 2014 and has been deputy mayor since 2020, is the favourite in the race which includes former MPP Khalil Ramal and six other candidates.
Holder and Morgan held a joint media conference at Museum London on Friday morning.
"He can hit the ground running, six years as budget chief, last two years as deputy mayor, I think seeing him in particular in these last two years as deputy mayor, his compassion, his capability of reaching consensus, he knows how to get things done," Holder said when asked why he's endorsing Morgan. "It was a really straight forward, simple decision."
Morgan was joined at the event by council colleagues Shawn Lewis, John Fyfe-Millar, Steve Lehman, and Mariam Hamou.
Holder touted council's accomplishments on anti-racism, Islamophobia, housing and more during his endorsement.
"We need a Mayor who won’t fall victim to distractions or petty politics, and will instead focus and deliver on important issues. Josh Morgan is that Mayor,” said Holder.
The nomination deadline for the 2022 municipal election is on August 19.
The election is on October 24.