A Good Day, Bad Day for the Fords

Well, it's official: Late night talk shows are going to have a lot less to talk about. Projections show that John Tory has been elected mayor of Toronto, replacing Rob Ford and beating Doug Ford, who attempted to fill his brother's slot following a particularly tough year for the former mayor.

It's rare that Toronto mayoral elections make headlines across the United States, but Rob Ford's roller coaster year ensured that the city's election would be in the international spotlight. In late 2013, Ford memorably admitted to smoking crack, a revelation that set off bizarre behavior and a trip to rehab. Despite the bizarre string of outbursts from Ford, he remained a lock for reelection in Toronto — until his story took a sad turn when he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

But following the news about Rob Ford's health, his brother, Doug Ford, stepped in to run for the mayoral post to continue his family's dynasty, but name recognition, solid polls in favor of Rob Ford, and a strong debate presence couldn't secure Doug the win. Even early polls surrounding Doug's chances made it clear that he was facing an upward battle — people who opposed Rob Ford didn't want a family member in office, and, for fans of the former mayor... well, Doug wasn't Rob.

Instead, the voting public chose Tory, a conservative whose values seem a far cry from the Rob Ford's hard-partying ways. Not that they were necessarily satisfied with the choice. Voters told the Associated Press that a vote for Tory was more of a vote against the Fords and the controversial legacy Rob Ford created. Said City Councilor Jaye Robinson to the AP:

People are literally counting down. Every door I go to, they are counting down. They are feeling that this is going to be transformative moment in our city where we right the ship, we focus on city building and we leave the sideshow, the circus, the distractions behind.

But the distractions won't entirely be left behind. After all, Rob Ford was elected to Toronto's city hall in Ward 2 on Monday, having not even participated in a debate for the spot. (His justification for running? "A lot more people are saying ‘I want your name on the ballot.'") But it's understandable why he would win the seat — he served in the position for 10 years prior to be elected mayor of Toronto, and he'll replace a very familiar name who currently occupies the seat: Doug Ford, who dropped out to assist Rob's mayoral campaign.

Looks like the Ford dynasty continues after all.