Alberta first

Written By Dr. Jaeger Gustafson

UCP Leadership Race Heats Up: Dr. Jaeger Gustafson Endorses Darrell Komick for Party President

Calgary, Alberta – November 20, 2025

A prominent United Conservative Party (UCP) member is calling on the party to return to its grassroots ahead of next weekend’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Dr. Jaeger Gustafson, a prominent conservative voice and Calgary–Lougheed UCP member, today publicly endorsed Darrell Komick in the race for UCP party president, saying the party must put “Alberta First” and be member centric.

“Alberta First means we move beyond the global bureaucrats at the WHO and WEF,” Gustafson said. “It means Albertans come first in every law we pass and every dollar we make from our resources.”Gustafson praised Komick for keeping the party focused on its members. “Darrell has one clear message: the job of the UCP is to take your voice to government,” he said. “That’s how we win.”

The endorsement is a direct shot at the current president, Rob Smith. Gustafson accused Smith of serving politicians instead of members and offering only “false hope.”

“With Darrell Komick, we get real hope—hope built on the abundance we already have in Alberta,” Gustafson added.

Key points from Dr. Gustafson’s statement:

The UCP must stay member-driven to win the next election.

  • The party needs strong leadership to handle recalls, referendums, and tough internal debates.

  • Calgary and Edmonton can be won, but only with a united team that starts with conservative values: faith, family, and fiscal responsibility.

  • Big donors who support free markets want to see a party that lives those values.

Gustafson highlighted Calgary-Lougheed MLA Eric Bouchard as an example of the fresh energy Komick would bring province-wide, pointing to untapped potential in small and medium-sized businesses.The UCP presidency vote takes place at the party’s AGM in Edmonton next weekend.

Gustafson closed with a direct appeal to members: “Vote Darrell Komick as your next president. Even $5 helps. Go to Komick.org to donate or volunteer.”

Political observers say the race is tight and Darrell Komick is positioned as the safe bet for party unity and fair resource development in Alberta.

Dr. Jaeger Gustafson