 Fildebrandt has stated he intends to avoid placing candidates in ridings where he believes the incumbent governing New Democratic Party would have a chance of winning in case of a split in the conservative vote.The party's first convention under the Freedom Party name was held in Chestermere and first leadership race since 1999 was held on October 20, 2018.Interim leader Derek Fildebrandt was the only leadership candidate, and therefore was acclaimed as leader.