Rebecca Schulz’s planned departure from Alberta politics has opened a new contest for the United Conservative Party in Calgary-Shaw. Schulz, the former environment and protected areas minister, announced at the end of 2025 that she would resign from cabinet effective Jan. 2 and step down as the MLA for Calgary-Shaw by May 2026. In her statement, Schulz said it was time to seek new career opportunities, while adding that she remained supportive of Premier Danielle Smith and the UCP government.
The vacancy is expected to trigger a provincial byelection in Calgary-Shaw, a south Calgary riding that has been held by the UCP since Schulz was first elected. Her resignation also creates a nomination race inside the governing party, with candidates seeking to become the UCP standard-bearer in a riding that will likely draw significant attention ahead of the next provincial vote. The nomination contest has already begun to take shape, with Calgary Ward 13 Coun. Dan McLean announcing he will seek the UCP nomination.
McLean said he decided to run after speaking with residents in Calgary-Shaw and hearing interest in continuing Schulz’s work in the area. LiveWire Calgary also reported that Mike Derry is involved in the nomination race, with political organizer Craig Chandler working on Derry’s campaign. If McLean wins the nomination and is later elected provincially, it could eventually create a separate vacancy on Calgary city council in Ward 13, adding another layer of political consequence to Schulz’s exit and the coming Calgary-Shaw contest.
