Naheed Nenshi to run in Calgary riding in 2027 Alberta election

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says he will seek election in a Calgary constituency in the 2027 provincial election, ending his plan to seek re-election in Edmonton-Strathcona.

In a letter released Thursday to constituents in Edmonton-Strathcona, Nenshi said he remains grateful to represent the riding but wants to return to the city where he grew up and spent much of his professional and political career, including 11 years as Calgary's mayor. He also said the Alberta NDP must win more seats in Calgary if it hopes to form government.

Nenshi said he has not yet selected a Calgary riding because Alberta's electoral boundaries are under review. He criticized the province's ongoing redistribution process, calling it "illegitimate and corrupt," and said legal challenges are expected before a final electoral map is established. According to Nenshi, he will announce the riding once the new boundaries are finalized.

Premier Danielle Smith's United Conservative government has rejected allegations that the redistribution process is intended to benefit the governing party, saying the review is designed to ensure fair representation, particularly for rural communities.

Nenshi won the Edmonton-Strathcona byelection in June 2025 with more than 82 per cent of the vote, nearly a year after succeeding former premier Rachel Notley as Alberta NDP leader. He said he will continue serving as MLA for Edmonton-Strathcona until the next provincial election, scheduled for October 2027, and announced his decision now to allow the local constituency association time to nominate a new candidate.