In Kamloops, the 2026 mayoral election has kicked off a year earlier than expected, adding the city to the growing list of B.C. municipalities starting their campaigns in advance. Councilor Mike O’Reilly made his candidacy announcement outside city hall on Friday, challenging the incumbent Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson following years of Kamloops frequently making headlines due to conflicts between Hamer-Jackson and other council members.
O’Reilly emphasized his track record as a collaborative and decisive leader with a focus on achieving results. His campaign platform includes addressing street disorder, improving transportation and recreation facilities, and ensuring a stable tax rate while aiming to enhance city services.
Highlighting the need for change, O’Reilly stated, “Three years ago, chaos erupted at city hall. I refuse to accept the current state of affairs as satisfactory.” In response, Hamer-Jackson, who did not provide a comment to CBC News, intends to seek re-election.
Having served on the council since 2018, O’Reilly, who is also the President and CEO of Comet Industries, a real estate development firm, is looking to shake up the mayoral race early on. Municipal elections are slated for October 17, 2026, across British Columbia, with Vancouver and Surrey already witnessing campaign activities due to regulations limiting political donations, prompting candidates to declare their intentions sooner.
During his previous mayoral campaign, Hamer-Jackson, a former used-car salesman, advocated for law and order policies, such as suggesting providing homeless individuals with free bus tickets out of town or establishing a recovery center on the city’s outskirts. Despite winning the mayoral seat with 32% of the vote, he quickly clashed with city staff and fellow council members, leading to ongoing investigations and legal disputes.
In an effort to streamline the field and draw a clear distinction between himself and Hamer-Jackson, O’Reilly announced his candidacy early. Former mayors Terry Lake and Ken Christian are backing O’Reilly, emphasizing the importance of avoiding a split vote to bring about much-needed change in Kamloops.
Addressing the current political climate, Lake remarked, “It’s crucial not to divide the votes among multiple candidates as it could lead to undesirable outcomes. Let’s learn from past mistakes and unite for a better future.” Other council members have yet to finalize their political plans, indicating a need for further deliberation before committing to the electoral race.
