Holyday nearly lost in 2018 against Campbell so I wouldn't say he has a "lifetime lock". Yanuziello got almost exactly the same vote percentage as NDPer Erica Kelly got in 2018 (10%). I have no doubt it would have been close had John Campbell decided to run again, the Carnvale vote probably went to that New Blue candidate, so it would have been a similar race, although with the leftward trend in the City (not saying Campbell was "left" by any means, but much more moderate than Holyday) might have pushed it in the Campbell direction. Anyway, a strong centrist candidate can win in Ward 2, especially as more condos pop up along Dundas West (near Royal York), Humbertown, along the 427 (Eva, East Mall/Gibs), the North-west corner of Six-points redevelopment condos, etc.
Also, the Clerks official declaration of the results has been released on the City website, and there's not even an asterisk beside Jamaal Myers name, no mention of Lai anywhere, no mention of spoiled ballots. This is not transparent.