Nenshi leads the NDP caucus endorsements, but rivals remain positive

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With a week to go before his term expires, former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi is leading the NDP caucus endorsements with a majority, but his rivals aren't ready to concede.

While no one within the party has provided figures on NDP memberships sold in each of the five campaigns, Nenshi's ability to sell them has far outstripped other candidates since entering the race last month and convincing one-time candidate Edmonton MLA Rakhi Pancholi to come out and support him.

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At the time, he claimed Nenshi had doubled the number of party members to 16,224 as of December 31.

The Calgarian also counts the endorsements of nine NDP caucus members — one more than rival Calgary hopeful Kathleen Ganley — while Edmonton MP Sarah Hoffman has four.

Edmonton MP Jody Kalahu Stonehouse counts two caucus endorsements, while Alberta Federation of Labor president Gil McGowan has none.

Nenshi's campaign did not respond to a request for comment Monday afternoon, but on X, previously on Twitter, the candidate posted two full houses at his events over the weekend. Lethbridge and Red deer.

“The support is growing and the sense of unity brings great hope,” wrote Nenshi of Red Deer.

He also said the latest caucus endorsement — Calgary-Glenmore MP Nagwan Al-Ghuneid.

NDP opponents continue to campaign

But his rivals say he will stay to win, and Ganley says his campaign has gained momentum.

“I think we sold the most memberships last week…we're selling thousands online and hard copies, and that's pretty solid,” Ganley said.

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“I have a lot of respect for Naheed, he's a big name, but it's not a sure thing for anyone.”

He said a candidate from Calgary could win the race.

Many are undecided, Ganley said, that his campaign will focus on platforms that focus on affordability, from offering public transportation insurance to ensuring low electricity costs.

Hoffman continued to attack Nenshi's NDP loyalties, suggesting he was not a team player who would walk off the stage if he failed to win the leadership.

“People understand that I've been building the party for decades – I'm not a newbie,” Hoffman said.

“I feel good when I travel around the province; I will win.”

His focus on climate change, housing and healthcare, and public solutions to these issues resonated.

On Tuesday, he was in Calgary to unveil a health policy that includes hiring 1,000 new doctors and up to 3,000 clinical assistants, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

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Nenshi said that if he fails to win the leadership, his retention in the party will depend on the role of the winning candidate in the PDP.

But in a written statement, union official McGowan acknowledged Nenshi's “road ahead, with a good chance of winning on the first ballot. But if they don't, strange things can happen.”

He said he was pleased with the reception he received when he met the other candidates.

“I got better responses to the crowd than anyone else, including Nenshi. “It may not be enough, but we will try,” he said.

McGowan has pledged to bring working-class Albertans back to the party and develop an industrial policy aligned with the energy transition.

Banff-Kananaskis MP Sarah Elmelighi, one of Kalahu Stonehouse's two supporters, said the candidate's commitment to addressing water shortages amid Alberta's climate change crisis deserves broader support.

“He's focused on water and working with communities on water-based solutions,” wildlife biologist Elmeligi said in an endorsement video.

“He is very passionate and driven not only to oust the UCP, but to build a lasting progressive movement.”

A political scientist believes that Nenshi will win the “first vote”.

Duane Bratt, a political scientist at Mount Royal University, said defeating Nenshi was virtually impossible.

“(It will be) Nenshi on the first ballot,” he said in an email.

The first leaders' debate of the competition will be held on April 25 in Lethbridge, and the second on May 11 in Calgary.

A new leader will be elected to replace Rachel Notley on June 22.

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X (Twitter): @BillKaufmannjrn

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