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Time to step back

Red Deer-South MLA Jason Stephan won’t seek re-election in 2027

Oct 19, 2026 | 10:54 PM

Red Deer-South MLA Jason Stephan announced he will not seek re-election next year.

He made the announcement on his social media on Monday night, saying that when the provincial election arrives in 2027, he will not be running.

“The provincial election will be in a year. By such time, I will have served as MLA for over eight years. It is time to step back. I will not be seeking re-election,” he said in the statement.

“There are many men and women in Red Deer South who could be excellent MLAs. Competitive nomination events run with integrity, with candidates treating each other with respect, produce unity and trust in democratic processes.

“Most families in Red Deer share conservative values, desiring freedom and prosperity for themselves and their children. We want time for successors to invite all to participate and vote in the upcoming election, to ensure the outcome is a true reflection of our majority.”

Stephan’s announcement came the same day thousands of Albertans voted on 10 referendum questions, including one on separation.

He said in his statement that his duty is to seek freedom and prosperity for Albertans and stated he’s sought to speak the truth as he best understands it.

“Canada could be the most free and prosperous nation on earth, but it is not,” he said.

“The state of Texas alone, having a population of 10 million less than Canada, has a GDP that is about half a trillion more than all of Canada. Why? The OECD has predicted Canada will be the worst-performing economy among its 38 member countries in terms of GDP per capita growth, including 42 per cent behind the U.S. for the 2030-2060 period.

“The status quo is not the right way for Albertans. Empty words and platitudes do not make it otherwise. Some say they want unity, but their actions say otherwise. Does fearmongering, name-calling, labelling, and gaslighting produce unity? Yet, there is always hope in God, understanding truth, and aligning ones life in it.”

Stephan was first elected as an MLA in Red Deer-South in 2019 and was later re-elected in May 2023.

He said during his time as MLA, Red Deer has seen “good things” such as the hospital expansion, Red Deer College becoming a Polytechnic, a new drug recovery community, and the closing of the drug consumption site.

“Red Deer is Alberta’s third largest city, with great amenities, parks and trail systems anchored by our beautiful river, with nearby lakes, foothills, and Rocky Mountains,” he added.

“Thank you to family and friends who supported my efforts to seek freedom and prosperity for Albertans, a blessed land that I love.”