Since MLA Ron Schuler announced his resignation in late December, at least one area resident has decided to enter the race to potentially succeed him as the next representative in the Legislature for Springfield-Ritchot.

Adam McAllister will seek the Progressive Conservative nomination. At this stage, the next provincial election is scheduled for October 5, 2027, giving him plenty of time to organize his campaign strategy.

McAllister is a resident of St. Adolphe along with his wife Melissa and their two young children. He works as a consultant in the engineering and manufacturing industry and holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

“Springfield-Ritchot is an incredible riding with a strong agricultural foundation, vibrant rural communities, and a growing entrepreneurial spirit,” said McAllister in a press release. “Ron Schuler leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of service and principled leadership. I’m humbled by the opportunity to put my name forward and work to serve this community with the same level of care, competence, and character.”

If elected, McAllister says he’ll continue to provide Springfield-Ritchot with “competent, hard-working, and approachable representation” that reflects the conservative values held by the party and many residents in his riding.

McAllister witnessed much political activism growing up in Steinbach. He remembers going door-to-door with his father, listening as he campaigned for the PC candidate of the day.

“I’ve always been kind of interested and involved [in politics] on the side,” McAllister says. “I went door-to-door in various federal and provincial elections with my dad. Coming out of high school, [I was] on the constituency association board for Vic Toews and then, soon after that, Ted Falk. I was also on Kelvin Goertzen’s board.”

Apart from his investment in career and family, McAllister has been actively involved in the church, supporting youth initiatives and serving on grassroots committees.

As a young family man, he sees what his peers face in terms of housing challenges and economic uncertainty. At the same time, he believes healthcare, transportation, flood protection, and senior care are important to everyone in the region.

“Our community needs leadership that understands both the pressures facing younger individuals and families today and the importance of maintaining reliable services for those who have helped build these communities,” McAllister says. “That requires responsible, disciplined government focused on long-term prosperity.”

Announcing his intention to run a full 18 months before the next election should help McAllister prepare for his first official foray into politics. He says he’ll be ready in case Premier Wab Kinew decides to call an early election.

In November, Kinew hinted at such a possibility if the PC party continued to “play games” while the NDP worked to pass a law to detain intoxicated people for longer periods.