How Kamloops Critic Assesses Candidates
Kamloops Critic's candidate assessments are editorial judgments, not objective scores or predictions about the election.
Consideration is given to a candidate's public record, experience, statements, decisions and behaviour. Their people skills and critical thinking skills are evaluated as well.
Most importantly, their character and integrity are the foundation that everything else about them rests on.
Where a detailed candidate profile has been published, the Read Candidate Profile link takes you to the evidence and reasoning behind that assessment.
These assessments may change as the campaign develops and new information becomes available.
The Candidates
The ranking below reflects Kamloops Critic's current editorial assessment of the candidates.
1
Nelly Dever
RECOMMENDED
- Kamloops Critic Recommends Pivot Kamloops
- Nelly Kicks O’Reilly’s Rebuttal
2
Reid Hamer-Jackson
CAUTIOUSLY RECOMMENDED
3
Ivory Winston
NEUTRAL
While remaining neutral on Ivory, I'd like to have evaluated him as a councillor candidate.
4
Ray Dhaliwal
RESERVATIONS
5
Kris Lloyd-Middleton
NOT RECOMMENDED
While I appreciate Kris' effort, I'd suggest she tries again next term as a councillor candidate.
NO INCUMBENTS 2026
The candidate below currently serves on Kamloops City Council.
This guide treats the incumbent status separately from the candidate's individual assessment.
6
Mike O'Reilly
NOT RECOMMENDED
- Calling Bullshit: O’Reilly and the Flowers
- Mike O’Reilly Invites Questions. I Have a Few More.
- Well Played, Councillor O’Reilly
- Why the O’Reilly Case Matters to Kamloops Residents
- O’Reilly Breaches Code of Conduct with Mayoral Bid
- Status Quo Mike O’Reilly
KAMLOOPS MAYORAL ELECTION 2026
Your Choices for Mayor
There are 6 candidates who would like to be your next Mayor on October 17, 2026.
Your task is to decide what matters to you, and what you want to see over the next 4 years.
We need to challenge any promises a candidate makes. The mayor has a single vote, the same as any other councillor at the table.
Still, the Mayor is the public face of this community, and we should give some very serious thought as to who that should be.
Who has earned your trust? Who has earned your respect? Who best represents the values that matter to you?