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The Alberta NDP leadership race saw its first dropout Monday morning, with Edmonton MLA Rakhi Pancholi withdrawing to throw her support behind former Calgary mayor and party outsider Naheed Nenshi.
Pancholi announced her intention to run in the race to replace current party leader Rachel Notley in February, with hopes of broadening the tent and welcoming more Albertans into the NDP fold. In an email to supporters marking the end of her campaign Monday morning, she endorsed Nenshi as the best choice for the party’s growth.
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According to Pancholi, recent membership numbers provided by the party show that Nenshi has “more than doubled” the size of the Alberta NDP’s membership since he announced his leadership bid two weeks ago.
“We must move forward to offer a positive alternative to the UCP that Albertans can enthusiastically support in the next election,” said Pancholi in a statement. “And I believe that means uniting behind the next leader, Naheed Nenshi.”
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Pancholi said the decision to withdraw from the race was not an easy one for her.
“I have loved every moment of this journey. The Albertans I’ve talked to, the members I’ve shared a coffee with, and the incredible team of people who have given their time, ideas, and passion to our campaign have been unforgettable,” she said.
“I’m so proud of the race that I’ve run and grateful to the thousands of Albertans who have supported me in the vision of building an Alberta NDP that creates opportunity for all of us – and for all our children.”
She thanked her family, campaign team and supporters for their efforts related to her leadership bid.
“I am looking forward to working with Naheed as we build this new vision,” said Pancholi. “He has grown our party by bringing tens of thousands of Albertans into the Alberta NDP, broadening our movement significantly.”
As of Dec. 31 last year, the total number of Alberta NDP members was 16,224, according to information provided by party officials.
Remaining in the race are Nenshi, Calgary MLA Kathleen Ganley, Edmonton MLAs Sarah Hoffman and Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse, and Alberta Federation of Labour president Gil McGowan.
Voting will begin June 3 and run until noon on June 22; the results are set to be announced that evening.
— With files from Bill Kaufmann
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