Mike O'Reilly holds the strongest position among the six candidates in the October 17, 2026 Kamloops mayoral race, reflecting trader emphasis on his eight years as councillor and roles chairing finance and economic committees. Recent debates and forums have centered on long-term debt from capital projects, property taxes, public safety, homelessness, and council cohesion, with O'Reilly defending the Build Kamloops mandate and stable tax increases while stressing institutional continuity. Nelly Dever, a former councillor leading the Pivot Kamloops slate, draws support from voters seeking fiscal restraint and greater transparency. Incumbent mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson trails amid limited debate participation and voter focus on city hall dynamics. Advance voting runs through October 14, with general voting on October 17.