Nate Horner steps down, won’t seek re-election in October 2027

nate horner is stepping down as Alberta’s finance minister and will not seek re-election in the October 2027 general election. He and Hospitals Minister Matt Jones announced the move on social media on May 20, 2026, saying they will leave their cabinet posts and remain in the United Conservative caucus as backbenchers until the election is called.

Smith cabinet shuffle

Premier Danielle Smith is expected to formally shuffle her cabinet Thursday, after two ministers said they are leaving their jobs now so successors can grow into the roles before the next election. Horner and Jones both said it is best to step aside at this point rather than stay in place until the campaign period.

Horner and Jones

Horner has served as Alberta’s finance minister, while Jones has served as hospitals minister. Their departures create two cabinet vacancies ahead of the shuffle, and Smith will decide who takes over those portfolios before the legislature moves closer to the October 2027 vote.

Backbenchers Until Election

Both ministers said they will continue serving as backbenchers in the United Conservative caucus until the election is called. That leaves them outside cabinet while still inside the governing caucus, a role that keeps them in the legislature but removes them from day-to-day ministerial decision-making.