Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi nominated for Edmonton-Strathcona byelection

Six months into his tenure of leading the Alberta NDP Naheed Nenshi is looking to get into the legislature.

“You don’t have to settle for a government that is fighting and angry all of the time,” said Nenshi, addressing the crowd. “Because you know what, better is possible.”

Nenshi was named the NDP nominee for a byelection in Edmonton-Strathcona — replacing the party’s former leader Rachel Notley.

It could end up being the third consecutive time the riding is represented by a New Democratic leader — between Notley and Raj Pannu, it’s been an NDP seat since 1997.

Before leading the official opposition, Nenshi spent his political life in Calgary as mayor for 11 years. He says he will spend more time here and learn the local issues.

Nenshi mentioned the challenges with public safety are more visible in Edmonton than the rest of the province.

“I hear a lot more about people wanting to make sure they’re safe walking down any street,” he told media on Wednesday. “Wanting to make sure they feel safe on the LRT.”

“We need to be able to show up for Edmontonians with real plans.”

Edmonton-Strathcona has been considered a safe seat for new democrats. Notley won the seat in 2023 with 79 per cent of the vote.

We don’t know yet when Premier Danielle Smith will drop the writ and call the byelection. She has to do so by June 30^th.

The UCP is expected to start the process by selecting a candidate of their own.

But Nenshi trying to enter the legislature as an MLA is step one to a long road towards the provincial polls in 2027.

“Let’s go win this election,” Nenshi said to the crowd.