The UCP's Nathan Neudorf, the projected winner in the riding of Lethbridge-East, at an election night event in Lethbridge, May 29, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Nathan Neudorf projected winner in Lethbridge-East

May 30, 2023 | 2:12 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Nathan Neudorf has been projected to serve a second term as the MLA for the riding of Lethbridge-East, following the provincial election on May 29, 2023.

The Canadian Press called the victory for Neudorf. He said the last four years since he was first elected have seen many challenges, but he’s grateful for the opportunity to represent Lethbridge-East again.

In comparing the 2023 campaign to the 2019 election, Neudorf said, “There were some ups and downs, given the pandemic and restrictions and change in leadership and all of those factors that play into that.”

He added, “I felt that this time was a lot less about me and more about the party and the leader and those kinds of things that influence peoples’ votes.”

Neudorf said, “there’s more work to do” and he’s looking forward to discussing concerns and issues with constituents in the riding.

Week-in-review: A spring storm, Whoop-Up Days entertainment and housing for seniors

May 11, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: May 10, 2024

May 10, 2024

Week-in-review: Passenger rail, a big investment in Coaldale and an NFL draftee from Lethbridge

May 04, 2024

“So, again, as a representative of Lethbridge-East, I have to learn [about] those issues for as many people as possible and continue to work on representing them well going forward,” he noted.

Neudorf served as Deputy Premier under Danielle Smith prior to the 2023 election, and he hopes to use his experience as an asset for the United Conservative Party (UCP) over the next four years.

He wants to make sure the party can work together as a strong team.

Neudorf said, “I think we also know that we’ve got to be very focused and make sure that we meet the needs of Albertans, otherwise they are prepared to make change. We saw that eight years ago, and I think we saw some potential for that this time around as well.”

Nathan Neudorf with Lethbridge-West UCP candidate Cheryl Seaborn (left), during an election night event in Lethbridge, May 29, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

When asked about the divisiveness of the campaign, particularly between the Alberta NDP and his party, the UCP, Neudorf said, “We have to learn how to have constructive conversations again, across party lines, across societal divides and say, ‘let’s talk about an issue’ and not just label an individual or a party or a team a certain way. Let’s say, this is a meaningful issue, and we need to have discourse about it in a respectful way where we can look from others’ perspectives and viewpoints.”

“If we can’t do that, if we just become totally polarized and entrenched, it becomes very difficult and then we get to democracy where it’s only ‘might is right’, and I would be discouraged as, we as Canadians, we as Albertans, can’t do better than that and I look forward to being able to work through those differences, make sure that we have conversations because it takes all sides to get to the best answers possible.”

Neudorf added, “I know that Albertans are pioneering, I know that we’re innovative, I know that we’re generous, and I know that we care.”

“So, if we can put those values forward, I think we can face any issue with respect and work that through. I hope that we can get back to that kind of government instead of one that is so polarized that I already discount you before I even hear anything about your ideas.”

The UCP has been projected to form a majority government.

READ MORE: UCP projected to form majority government in Alberta

The projected runner-up to Neudorf in Lethbridge-East was Rob Miyashiro, who was unable to provide statements as of late Monday, May 29. However, LNN has reached out for comment from Miyashiro.

The official results from the 2023 provincial election will be released on Thursday, June 8, 2023.

Full election coverage: AB Votes 2023

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.