Former Calgary mayor and Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi made a triumphant return to politics on June 23rd, securing a resounding victory in the Edmonton-Strathcona by-election. His win marks a significant comeback after a period away from the provincial stage. The landslide victory saw Nenshi garner 7,952 votes, a clear indication of the riding’s continued support for the NDP.

The Edmonton-Strathcona riding, a traditional NDP stronghold since 1986, remained firmly in the party’s grasp. This win follows in the footsteps of former Alberta NDP leader and premier Rachel Notley, who previously held the seat. The by-election also saw success for fellow NDP candidate Gurtej Singh Brar, who won in Edmonton-Ellerslie.

Meanwhile, in the rural Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills riding, Tara Sawyer successfully defended the seat for the UCP. Interestingly, the results highlighted a third-place finish for the separatist Republican Party of Alberta, offering a glimpse into the evolving political landscape of the province. The by-elections overall provided a snapshot of Alberta’s diverse political climate and the shifting power dynamics within the province.