Standing outside Kamloops City Hall Thursday morning, longtime city councillor Mike O’Reilly officially announced his candidacy for mayor in the upcoming 2026 municipal election—positioning himself as a steady, experienced leader ready to “put Kamloops first.”

“I have dedicated my career to putting Kamloops first,” O’Reilly said during a speech in front of supporters and media. “And now I look forward to putting Kamloops first as the next mayor of Kamloops.”

A two-term councillor and well-known figure in Kamloops business and civic circles, O’Reilly cited a long history of involvement in both the private sector and community leadership. He’s worked with Venture Kamloops on economic development, started and invested in local businesses, and held volunteer positions including president of the Downtown Business Improvement Association and the Kamloops M.S. Society.

“In my career, I’ve put Kamloops first by growing our economy and creating jobs,” he said.

He also pointed to his experience in elected office: chairing the Finance Committee during COVID-19, leading the Build Kamloops Committee through electoral approval for a new performing arts centre and multi-use recreation complex, and helping secure more than $300 million in provincial funding for a cancer centre and parkade at Royal Inland Hospital as chair of the Kamloops Regional Hospital District Board.

But the political landscape this time around is shaped by the fallout of the 2022 election, when three sitting councillors—Arjun Singh, Dieter Dudy, and Sadie Hunter—all ran for mayor, splitting the vote and allowing political newcomer Reid Hamer-Jackson to win with just  over 30% of the vote.

Asked whether he’s had conversations with other potential candidates to avoid a similar outcome, O’Reilly said he has.

“There’s been a lot of rumors, and that was one of the reasons I wanted to come out and let people know I’m ready to lead this city,” he said in a post-announcement media scrum. “Every councillor has to make their own decisions. But if I look back three years ago, it was something I was considering—and I knew there would be a vote split. It wasn’t the right thing to do, so I stepped back.”

This time, O’Reilly is hoping to provide early clarity, announcing more than a year before voters head to the polls.

“It’s about giving predictability to our residents, so people know there’s a solid voice at the table ready to lead the next council and shape the next four years.”

O’Reilly confirmed he’s spoken with every member of council about his plans, and while he’s not sure who else may join the race, he emphasized that a repeat of 2022’s fractured field would not serve the city.

“You don’t have to be politically involved to know what a vote split is. People saw what happened, and they know it’s not good for the city.”

His campaign has already attracted support from two former mayors—Terry Lake and Ken Christian—who have endorsed him for the top job.

“When I spoke with Terry and Ken, there wasn’t a hesitation. They both said, ‘You’re the right person to put Kamloops first.’ That speaks volumes.”

He also addressed concerns some voters may have about returning anyone from the current council after a turbulent term.

“Every time I’ve run, people say they want a clean slate,” he said. “But what Kamloops really needs is a team of experienced leaders—along with new voices—to move the city forward. I look forward to building and developing that team.”

Asked about priorities, O’Reilly said homelessness and public disorder are top of mind.

“There’s a grave concern with the relentless chaos and the homelessness that has spread through our neighbourhoods and riverbanks,” he said. “We need to take a different approach. It’s not about waiting for the province to tell us what they’ll let us do—we need a Kamloops-first solution.”

O’Reilly also emphasized the importance of strong local leadership on healthcare, criticizing how Kamloops has been treated by Interior Health.

“The biggest asset in the Thompson Regional Hospital District is Royal Inland Hospital,” he said. “I will continue to fight for our residents and the surrounding communities who rely on that facility.”

Anticipating criticism over his business background and work in development, O’Reilly defended his record.

“I think it’s good to have someone who’s creating jobs and growing the economy—especially when Kamloops has had the highest unemployment rate in Canada,” he said. “I’ve been doing this work for over two decades. That’s not going to change.”

The 2026 municipal election is set for October 17.

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Mike O’Reilly was introduced by former Mayor Ken Christian: