You previously ran for Mayor after what you described as significant reflection and discernment. As you prepare for another campaign, which of your original motivations remain unchanged? Have new considerations — personal, political, or civic — influenced your decision to run again? What specifically has crystallized for you between then and now?
My desire to lead this city certainly has not changed. I’m running for mayor because I love this city and I believe deeply in its potential. In 2022, I ran a positive campaign rooted in listening, honesty, and real connection with people — and I plan to do a lot of the same this time.
Over the past few years, my work has taken me across Ontario and Canada, leading organizations, navigating complex challenges, and advocating for industries that matter to communities like ours. Those experiences gave me further perspective on what effective leadership looks like when it’s focused on execution and results.
What has crystallized for me is that Hamilton’s potential is endless. We have the talent, the institutions, and the community spirit to thrive. What is missing is the leadership that pulls it all together. To me, leadership is about service. And the call to serve now rings louder than ever.
The political landscape is different in 2026. Assuming Mayor Andrea Horwath seeks re-election, you would be challenging an incumbent who can point to a governing record and executive experience. How do you intend to contrast your candidacy with that of a sitting mayor? In practical terms, what do you offer that compensates for not having held the office?
I’m going to let the Mayor’s track record speak for itself. Voters can judge the past — I’m focused on what comes next.
I believe not being a career politician is an asset. First, I don’t bring any baggage or partisanship to the role - which, as we’ve seen over the last four years, is a huge impediment to forming productive relationships, both on council and with the provincial and federal governments.
I bring to the Mayor’s Office real-world executive and board experience, delivering results at the highest levels of Ontario and Canada’s economy — building coalitions, managing crises, and advocating for Canadian steel during global instability. That means I know how to work across governments, how to make the case for Hamilton, and how to secure results.
For me, the Mayor’s office is not a retirement plan, a backup plan, or a stepping stone. I have a lot more career ahead of me. But right now, I want to serve and help get City Hall working again.
In your announcement video, you referenced a 2022 conversation about what leadership in Hamilton could look like — leadership that listens, unites, and delivers results. By invoking that contrast, are you suggesting that City Hall is currently falling short in one or more of those areas? If so, where specifically? If not, how should voters interpret that framing?
When I talk about leadership that listens, unites, and delivers, I’m reflecting what I hear from Hamiltonians.
Many residents don’t feel heard. They don’t feel the services they receive match what they’re paying in tax dollars. And they don’t feel the city is moving forward with urgency.
We’ve seen what happens when engagement breaks down — whether it’s the Stoney Creek parking lot situation or the Barton Tiffany shelter project. In both cases, better listening, transparency, and accountability could have prevented division and frustration.
My approach will put people before politics. That means meaningful engagement before decisions are finalized, collaboration with council rather than conflict, and taking responsibility when mistakes are made. Rebuilding trust is foundational to getting this city moving again.
You have stated that leadership must provide vision, unite people, and translate plans into progress. Those are aspirational principles. What concrete policy shifts, governance reforms, or performance benchmarks would Hamiltonians see under a Loomis administration that would demonstrate those principles in action?
Just like in 2022, Hamiltonians will receive a detailed, fully developed platform shaped by conversations with residents, subject-matter experts, and people from across the political spectrum. It will clearly outline how we set a shared vision, unite the city, and move forward with purpose.
But those principles won’t remain abstract — they will translate into concrete action including things like defined service standards and timelines, stronger financial oversight with transparent reporting, and clear performance benchmarks for staff tied directly to outcomes.
The need to address our crumbling infrastructure (Fix the Damn Roads!), support affordable housing and address the homelessness crisis is more acute than four years ago. But to be able to tackle any of these challenges, we need to have an effective and accountable City Hall.
Under my leadership, progress will be measurable, visible in people’s daily lives, and consistently reported to the public. When I know, the public will know.
You have said that Hamilton “deserves better.” That is a strong statement. In which specific domains — fiscal management, housing, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, transparency, or otherwise — do you believe the city is underperforming? What measurable outcomes would define “better” under your leadership?
When I say Hamilton deserves better, I’m talking about measurable outcomes that impact the day-to-day lives of Hamiltonians. I do believe residents feel the city is underperforming. Residents are paying more but don’t feel they’re getting better results.
Hamilton has such a significant history and so many larger-than-life names that represented this city municipally, provincially and federally. They had clout and they helped build this city, which in-turn helped build this country. Even after our post-industrial challenges, everyone still talks of Hamilton’s potential, but we deserve the leadership to match.
“Better” under my leadership means young families can afford to stay, seniors feel safe and secure, taxpayers see value for their dollars, trust in local government begins to be restored and kids like mine, if they want to stay, can see their futures in Hamilton.
Thank-you Keanin for engaging with Hamiltonians via The Hamiltonian!
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