Naheed Nenshi is the new leader of the Alberta NDP. (Photo: Alberta NDP)

By Canadian Press / David Opinko

Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi named new leader of Alberta NDP

Jun 22, 2024 | 2:52 PM

Alberta New Democrats have chosen former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi as their new leader.

Nenshi secured 86 per cent of ballots, with more than 62,000 of the roughly 85,000 cast.

He is now the leader of the Opposition but doesn’t hold a seat in the legislature.

“I am truly humbled and honoured to have been selected to lead the Alberta NDP into its next era. The excitement and optimism I’ve felt throughout this leadership race proves that Albertans want a government they can trust and believe in,” said Nenshi.

“Every one of my fellow candidates demonstrate great passion, leadership, and intelligence — I want to thank them and their teams and I can’t wait to get to work with them as part of the larger Alberta NDP family.”

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Kathleen Ganley received 5,899 votes, Sarah Hoffman got 3,063 ballots, and 1,222 NDP members wanted to elect Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse.

Nenshi says the Alberta NDP is now over 85,000 members strong and that he looks forward to continuing to build a movement.

“Together, we will work hard to show our friends and neighbours that they have a home in the Alberta NDP and, in 2027, we will deliver a smarter and more capable government that respects all Albertans,” says Nenshi.

The NDP announced its voting results in Calgary, the day after outgoing leader Rachel Notley gave her farewell speech and described the party as the strongest it has been in its history.

Notley led the NDP to power as a majority government in 2015, ending a four-decade Progressive Conservative dynasty.

She announced in January she was leaving the job after the party lost its second consecutive election to the United Conservative Party.