Horner stepping down as Alberta finance minister, won't seek re-election

EDMONTON - Drumheller-Stettler MLA Nate Horner will not continue as Alberta's Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board when Premier Danielle Smith unveils her new cabinet, and he will not seek re-election when his term ends.

Horner announced the decision in a letter dated May 20, 2026, one day before Smith was scheduled to swear in her new cabinet.

He said he told Smith when she offered him the finance portfolio that his second term would likely be his last. After conversations through the halfway point of the term, Horner said he confirmed the original plan still fits him and his family.

"I have decided that the original plan is still the best fit for me and my family and that I will not be seeking re-election after this term," Horner said in the letter.

Horner and Smith agreed the election year budget should be built by a cabinet member who plans to run again. That decision drove his exit from the finance role ahead of Budget 2027 preparations.

Horner first entered cabinet under former Premier Jason Kenney. Smith appointed him Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board after the United Conservative Party won the 2023 provincial election.

He said he remains supportive of the UCP and Smith, and thanked staff in his ministry office and department.

Horner will continue as MLA for Drumheller-Stettler until the next general election in October 2027.