Naheed Nenshi Wins Edmonton Strathcona Byelection, Secures NDP Stronghold Ahead of Fall Legislature Showdown
June 24, 2025 — Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi has claimed a decisive victory in the Edmonton Strathcona byelection, reaffirming the party’s long-standing grip on the riding and gaining his first seat in the legislature since becoming party leader in 2024.
According to Elections Alberta’s unofficial results as of 10:30 p.m. Monday, Nenshi secured 7,952 votes with all 52 polls reporting. Speaking at the Delta Hotels Edmonton South Conference Centre, Nenshi celebrated the moment as both symbolic and strategic, stating:
“We’re using this as an opportunity to tell this government that… Albertans are not fools, and we won’t let them get away with anything.”
The win marks a pivotal moment for the Alberta NDP, which has now claimed victory in its first three byelections in party history, under Nenshi’s leadership. He emphasized that the United Conservative Party (UCP) is losing support across traditional strongholds, including Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, and struggling to make gains in Edmonton and Lethbridge.
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Faceoff with Premier Danielle Smith Now Imminent
Nenshi will now step into the Alberta legislature for the upcoming fall session, where he is expected to go “toe-to-toe” with Premier Danielle Smith, finally taking the official opposition role inside the chamber after leading from the outside for two sittings.
Smith responded to Nenshi’s win on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“Looking forward to constructive debate and, above all, working to advance Alberta’s interests.”
NDP Looks to Sustain Momentum Across Alberta
With four months until the fall session begins, Nenshi says the party’s focus will be on strengthening grassroots engagement across ridings and continuing its summer outreach strategy.
“We’re not letting them escape with anything,” Nenshi said. “We’re holding this government accountable every step of the way.”
The Edmonton Strathcona seat was previously held by former Premier Rachel Notley, who stepped down in December 2024 after serving since 2008. Nenshi’s victory here is not only symbolic but also critical at a time when province-wide polling suggests declining NDP support.
Background: From Calgary Mayor to NDP Leader
Before taking the helm of the NDP, Nenshi served as Mayor of Calgary from 2010 to 2021. His legacy includes spearheading anti-poverty initiatives, mental health strategies, and major infrastructure projects. In this byelection, he defeated UCP newcomer Darby Crouch, who was contesting her first election.
The Edmonton Strathcona byelection was one of three provincial contests held Monday. The NDP was also defending Edmonton Ellerslie, while the UCP faced pressure from a separatist challenger in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills.
Official results are expected to be announced by Elections Alberta on Thursday at 10 a.m.