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Dianne Saxe has a date on the Danforth.

The incumbent councillor for University-Rosedale has abandoned her run for another term, opting to instead try to return to city council as a representative for Ward 14, Toronto-Danforth.

That ward had long been represented by Paula Fletcher, who registered just this week, only to announce her retirement from politics mere days later, on Wednesday.

That sparked a rush of candidates in Ward 14. At least 14 of them, including Saxe, registered to run in Toronto-Danforth ward on either Thursday or Friday, the city’s election website shows.

Avoids showdown with Olivia Chow’s stepson Mike Layton

By shifting east of the Don River, Saxe avoids a showdown with former city councillor Mike Layton, who filed to run in Ward 11 on Monday.

Friday at 2 p.m. was the deadline for candidates to file or withdraw a nomination in the fall’s municipal election. Voters go to the polls Oct. 26.

While a representative for Saxe ignored a question from the Toronto Sun about the move on Wednesday, her campaign confirmed the move on Friday. In a statement, Saxe said she has “long admired” Toronto-Danforth for its liveliness, diversity and “deep sense of community.”

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“In this moment, our city needs driven, experienced and dedicated leadership that understands the primary job of a city councillor: to make Toronto a more livable city. That is why I am excited to announce that I am running to represent Ward 14 on city council,” Saxe’s statement said.

Saxe, a former environmental commissioner for the province and lawyer by trade, referred to herself in her statement as “an independent progressive voice on city council,” although she often voted alongside Mayor Olivia Chow in her rookie term.

Still, in terms of support, Saxe could hardly ever compete with Layton, who is Chow’s stepson.

Even before Layton’s entry, political interest in Saxe’s ward had been unusually high, with activist Diana Yoon , TV personality Karina Lemke and actress Terri Hawkes among the registered candidates.

Another rival for Ward 11, Gabe Blanc, a former City Hall bureaucrat, also withdrew Friday, throwing his support behind Layton in a post on his website.

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Saxe still fighting a crowd

Going to the Danforth ward, Saxe is still fighting a crowd – just one that doesn’t include Layton.

Also registering since Fletcher’s withdrawal were former city councillor Mary Fragedakis, TDSB trustee Sara Ehrhardt and Caryma Sa’d, a lawyer who has won a large social media following through her coverage of local protests.

Saxe had been a vocal advocate for hyper-local issues in University-Rosedale, most notably transit. She took on a very visible role in defending the RapidTO transit lanes on Bathurst St., which runs through the ward.

jholmes@postmedia.com