A candidate for Kamloops city councillor previously called for Canada to be swallowed up by the U.S.

Alberto De Marni is one of more than two dozen candidates in the upcoming local election, but he could be the only one who has publicly backed U.S. President Donald Trump’s 51st state rhetoric.

He did so through social media, calling on a Canadian billionaire and reality TV star to negotiate a takeover with the American administration.

“Please Kevin O’Leary go to Maralogo n hash a deal with the new president to make us the 51st state (sic),” a post from December 2024 reads.

Kamloops council candidate backed 51st state takeover | iNFOnews.ca — A screenshot of De Marni’s Facebook post calling for Canada to be absorbed into the U.S. FACEBOOK/Alberto De Marni

On Sept. 21, he announced his candidacy on the same social media page, boasting 25 years of experience as a local business owner as a landscaper behind Alberto’s Exterior Decorating Ltd.

“I feel that leadership in a team setting is one of my greatest strengths, and I look forward to the opportunity to be the glue to bring our council together,” his announcement reads.

Another statement includes concerns that First Nations land claims are a “joke” and calling for “proof” of graves at Indian residential schools last year, which did not mention Tk’emlups or the Kamloops Indian Residential School in particular.

iNFOnews.ca reached out to De Marni for comment, but he did not immediately respond.

The local election will take place Saturday, Oct. 17 and De Marni will be among 29 people vying for eight city council seats and six people campaigning for mayor.