Neudorf running for re-election in Lethbridge-East, not ruling out UCP leadership bid

Neudorf says if he is elected for a second term as MLA, he would look to continue making progress on many of the initiatives that were started in his first term.

A few examples of this include overseeing the development of the new Lethbridge Recovery Community facility, bringing more doctors to Lethbridge, and continuing to promote Southern Alberta as a great place to live and do business.

Neudorf noted a few highlights from the current term, such as the start of construction on the Exhibition Park Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre, expanding seats at Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge, and announcing twinning work on a section of Highway 3.

Neudorf came into office following the 2019 provincial election as a newcomer to politics.

Since then, he has taken on a number of additional roles within the United Conservative Party (UCP) and the Government of Alberta.

He is the UCP Caucus Chair, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment for Water Stewardship, Chair of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future, and has been involved with numerous task forces.

It’s still up in the air whether or not he will look to add UCP Leader to that list of titles.

Neudorf says he is “considering it.”

“I can’t say at this time, and well, it will be imminent one way or the other because there’s only so much time to be had and I believe that the summer will be when that leadership campaign takes place,” says Neudorf. “You’ve already heard four names announced, and at some point, there will be a completion to that, so I don’t have infinite time to make that decision.”

“It’s my intention to have that decision public within the next week.”

He told LNN that it is “very exciting” to be running for re-election at a time like this, when so many things can change.

“I absolutely believe that we are resolute in being united behind whichever leader is chosen in that democratic process with the grassroots of our party,” Neudorf added, “and going into the next election as the United Conservative Party with a new leader, with a solid team, and I’m thrilled to be part of that team.”

On May 18, 2022, Jason Kenney announced his resignation as UCP leader following a leadership review vote. While Kenney did secure a slight majority of party member votes at 51.4%, he says it does not constitute a clear mandate, and that Albertans deserve a leader who can truly unite the province.

So far, four names have come forward in the UCP leadership race: Brian Jean, Danielle Smith, Travis Toews, and Todd Loewen.

No date has been set for the UCP leadership vote yet, but it will need to happen before Alberta’s next provincial election, which is scheduled to take place on or before May 29, 2023.

Locally, Rob Miyashiro, representing the Alberta NDP, is the only confirmed candidate to be running against Neudorf for the Lethbridge-East riding in the next provincial election.

by David Opinko

Neudorf running for re-election in Lethbridge-East, not ruling out UCP leadership bid

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