Mr Ford last year admitted, after months of denial, to smoking crack cocaine in a "drunken stupor". His confession came after police said they had obtained a video which appeared to show him taking the illegal drug.
Ford has faced a series of scandals over the past year featuring a string of incidents including public drunkenness and him appearing to threaten "murder" in another video.
Despite this, Ms Benz said she believes Mr Ford is her biggest competition in the 27 October elections.
"He's definitely the underdog, I know (Ford's) ratings just recently went down but I do feel like he has a very good chance to get re-elected," she said.
Mr Ford recently described his experience in rehab as "amazing" and said his time there "reminds me of football camp". In addition to dealing with his past and learning about himself, Mr Ford claimed he was using his time there to prepare for the forthcoming elections.
"Of course, I am coming back and I am going to kick butt," he said.
"I asked for my calls sheets and I am making calls to constituents. I am getting help but I still want to help."
He was the first to register as a candidate in January and emphasised the spirit of second chances during a speech in front of supporters.
-The Independent
