Edmonton MLA enters NDP leadership race

The race to replace Rachel Notley as Alberta NDP leader is now a two-person race.

Edmonton-Whitemood MP Rakhi Pancholi announced Thursday that she will run to replace Notley, who has led the party for nearly a decade.

Pancholi's announcement followed Monday's announcement by fellow NDP MP Kathleen Ganley that she was launching a race to lead the Official Opposition.

In a video posted Thursday on X, formerly known as Twitter, the two-term MLA celebrated Alberta's accomplishments.

Alberta is a place of endless opportunities for all of us. Today I am proud to share my vision with you. I am running to be the leader of the Alberta NDP and the next premier of this great province.

Join me and let's write the next chapter in Alberta's story. pic.twitter.com/Pf6QaSnzUb

— Rakhi Pancholi (@pancholi_rakhi) February 8, 2024

“Alberta is a place of hope, optimism and opportunity,” said Pancholi. “Taking care of each other is something we pride ourselves on, and there's no challenge Alberta can't handle.”

However, he did not hesitate to call out the United Conservative government, which he believes is the fault of the province.

“But the story the current government is telling about Alberta is too small for such a big place,” he said. “We see it in the choices they make, the fears they exploit and the fights they choose. But that's not the Alberta I know.”

In his official statement, the candidate also briefly touched on the issues of energy and climate change, housing, health care and education.

“Alberta is a place where we think big, challenge, step up and lead,” said Pancholi. “We can have a strong economy and invest in each other at the same time.”

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READ MORE: Notley says he'll step down from Alberta NDP leadership to make way for new voices

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Calgary MP Kathleen Ganley was the first to announce her candidacy for the position, saying her experience makes her the right person for the job.

“I think I have the experience of being in government, being with my colleagues,” he said Monday. “I think I've been instrumental in our growth in Calgary and I think I've put together a great team that I can trust to lead this province.”

So far, only two women have put their names on the ballot, but more are expected to join in the coming days.

Names suggested by political scientists, commentators and members of the public include former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi, as well as MPs Sarah Hoffman and David Shepherd.

The race to replace Notley ends on June 22.