Ward 13 Councillor Dan McLean has expressed uncertainty about whether he will seek the United Conservative Party nomination to replace outgoing Calgary Shaw MLA Rebecca Schulz. In a recent statement, McLean revealed that he has been approached by multiple individuals encouraging him to run in the upcoming byelection, but he remains focused on his responsibilities at city council.
Political Speculation Intensifies as MLA Steps Down
The speculation surrounding McLean's potential candidacy follows Schulz's resignation announcement in December 2025. Schulz confirmed her intention to remain as MLA until May of this year, creating a vacancy in the Calgary Shaw riding that has sparked interest from various political figures.
McLean's Current Priorities and Political Stance
McLean, who is currently serving his second term as Calgary city councillor after successfully defending his Ward 13 seat against challenger Elliot Weinstein in last October's municipal election, emphasized that his immediate focus remains on municipal governance. "A lot of people are asking me to," McLean told the Calgary Herald. "I'm honoured that people really want me to go there... right now I'm focusing on city council."
Ward 13 encompasses diverse communities including Evergreen to the west, Canyon Meadows on the northern side, and the newly developed Pine Creek area in the south. McLean has established himself as a fiscal conservative during his tenure, frequently opposing property tax increases and what he characterizes as unnecessary municipal expenditures.
Alignment with UCP Policies and Potential Implications
The councillor has publicly supported several UCP initiatives, including the party's plans to close the supervised consumption site at the Sheldon Chumir Health Centre and their preference for an above-ground alignment of the Green Line transit project through Calgary's downtown core.
Should McLean decide to pursue the UCP nomination and subsequently win the byelection, his departure from city council would trigger a municipal byelection for his Ward 13 seat. According to the Municipal Government Act, a council must conduct a byelection to fill any vacancy unless that vacancy occurs after January 1 in a general election year or falls outside an 18-month window preceding the next scheduled general election.
The political landscape in Calgary continues to evolve as both municipal and provincial representatives navigate their roles and potential transitions. McLean's deliberation reflects the complex considerations facing politicians who must balance local commitments with broader political opportunities.
