Leader of the Alberta NDP Naheed Nenshi speaks to the media in Edmonton, on Feb. 27, 2025. The Canadian Press/Jason Franson
Alberta’s NDP leader has announced his intention to pursue a seat in Calgary during the 2027 provincial election, rather than seeking re-election in Edmonton.
Naheed Nenshi, who served as the mayor of Calgary for 11 years prior to transitioning to provincial politics, made his announcement on July 16 through a letter addressed to his constituents in Edmonton-Strathcona.
“Today, I’m letting you know of a decision I’ve made,” Nenshi said in his letter posted on X. “While I’ve been thrilled every day to serve as your MLA, I will be seeking election in a Calgary riding in the next general election.”
He said the NDP needs to secure additional seats in Calgary, and that he’s “happy to be part of that battle.”
Nenshi grew up in Marlborough, in northeast Calgary, attended the University of Calgary, and spent a portion of his working life in the city before entering municipal politics as the city’s mayor in 2010.
He made the jump to provincial politics in 2024, winning the NDP leadership race to succeed former premier Rachel Notley, who also served as the representative for the Edmonton constituency. Nenshi secured victory with more than 82 percent of the vote last June in the byelection for the riding left vacant by Notley’s resignation.
Nenshi said he couldn’t announce which riding he plans to contest until after the province finalizes its second attempt at redrawing the electoral maps in preparation for the 2027 election.
“Once we have a finalized (and hopefully fair!) map, I’ll announce which Calgary riding,” Nenshi wrote, referring to the ongoing review of provincial riding maps that will see the legislature seat count rise to 91 from 87.
Nenshi has accused Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative government of using the electoral map review to influence the next election by introducing more rural ridings where constituents typically vote conservative.
The government has said the goal is to guarantee fair representation for rural regions. In line with this, it has increased the number of new ridings to ensure that rural Alberta retains its seats as the population of the province migrates toward urban centres.
Nenshi said in his letter that he will continue to serve as representative of Edmonton-Strathcona until the campaign begins for the general election next October.
“This will open up Edmonton-Strathcona for a new representative from this beautiful community,” he wrote. “I am informing you today so that the incredible constituency association in this riding has time for a healthy and robust nomination process to select a candidate and a future MLA worthy of representing you.”
