Who could run to replace Rachel Notley as NDP leader? It could be a wide field
Rachel Notley #RachelNotley
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Published Jan 16, 2024 • 3 minute read
Calgary NDP MLA Kathleen Ganley has posted a campaign-style video, signalling a possible leadership bid. Photo by Darren Makowichuk /Postmedia
Rachel Notley is bidding farewell to the top Opposition job in Alberta, setting the table for what could be a fascinating leadership race.
The longtime MLA, who served as premier from 2015 until 2019, announced Tuesday she would be stepping down as leader, sparking what could be a hotly contested race to replace her.
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Unlike when Notley assumed leadership in 2014, when there were just four NDP MLAs, there is now a caucus of 38 MLAs, and many of them have years of experience in the legislature.
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So who are some possible contenders? There are a few high-profile MLAs in the NDP caucus, though none have officially signalled an intention to run.
Kathleen Ganley
Ganley is the first to hint at a possible run for leadership, with a campaign-style video touting her experience and pushing back against notions the party is too “woke.” The current energy critic served as justice minister for the entirety of the NDP’s term in government.
Sarah Hoffman
Hoffman served as a public school trustee and chairwoman of the Edmonton Public Schools board before jumping into the provincial arena. During the NDP’s term in government, she was the lone minister of health and also served as deputy premier, routinely answering questions in the legislature when Notley wasn’t there. Since the party returned to the Opposition benches she has continued as deputy leader, and after the election in May was named the municipal affairs critic focusing on Edmonton and Calgary.
Rakhi Pancholi
Like Ganley, Pancholi worked as a lawyer before entering politics. She was first elected to the legislature in Edmonton in 2019 and has been a key face for the party over the last five years. She currently serves as education critic for the party.
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David Shepherd
Shepherd was first elected in the 2015 election and has in recent years been front and centre at many NDP news conferences. He currently shares the health critic portfolio with a focus on primary and rural care.
Janis Irwin
Irwin is a popular Edmonton MLA with a big social media following. First elected in 2019, Irwin gained prominence pushing back against conversion therapy and advocating for protections for gay-straight alliances (GSAs) in schools. Irwin, currently the party’s housing critic, has pushed for rent controls and has been present as an observer at homeless encampments in Edmonton when they’ve been dismantled by the city.
Depending on which MLAs decide to run, there could perhaps be others in the mix. Joe Ceci, a longtime Calgary city councillor also served as finance minister during the NDP government. But he’s also lived a long political life, so leadership aspirations may not be at play. Shannon Phillips has been a prominent MLA for the party, but will have been in the legislature for 12 years by the time the next election rolls around, so perhaps isn’t interested in taking on the top job.
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No race is complete without an outsider, though whether one would consider wading in against current MLAs is merely a question mark at this point. Would it be interesting politics if one of the big union leaders in Albert threw their hat in the ring? Definitely. Could a former MLA, like Deron Bilous, make a run for it, presenting a business-friendly face for the party? Perhaps a former Calgary mayor is mulling a return to politics. Maybe moving the leadership from Edmonton could help the NDP make inroads in Cowtown in the next election.
Regardless, it will be an interesting race for a party that will not only be needing to refresh its identity, but also present itself as a strong alternative to the UCP if it hopes to win in 2027.
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