Three well-known Winnipeggers are serving ceremonial roles in incumbent mayor Brian Bowman's re-election campaign.

Philanthropist Gail Asper, Richardson Financial Group president Sandy Riley and former Winnipeg Harvest director David Northcott will serve as Bowman's "honorary co-chairs," his campaign announced Tuesday.

All three endorsed Bowman in a press release issued by the Bowman campaign.

Winnipeg votes for a new mayor and council on Oct. 24.

Asked to explain the timing of the honorary co-chair announcement, Bowman campaign manager Kelly McCrae said the nomination period for mayor only closed one week ago.

The mayoral campaign period began on May 1.