Naheed Nenshi's decisive victory in the Alberta NDP's leadership race bodes well for the party in Highwood, according to local New Democrats.
Calgary's former mayor received 86 per cent of the vote to easily best three other candidates last weekend in the race to succeed Rachel Notley.
"It's a really exciting time because I know [Nenshi] understands that we have a real chance, and with the right resources and campaigns, we could really put up a challenge for the UCP here," said Jessica Hallam, the Alberta NDP candidate in Highwood during the 2023 provincial election.
Hallam earned the party's highest-ever share of the Highwood vote with nearly 29 per cent.
"When you hit that 30 per cent number, which we nearly did, that's when you become a really competitive party in a riding, and I think under new leadership, those things combined make for a competitive race, and I really, honestly do think that with the right candidate and the right team and support from the party that we could have a win here."
The potential for an NDP win in Highwood has not gone unnoticed by Nenshi.
"Highwood, just southwest of Calgary, the NDP received 30 per cent in that riding, which is way more than they've ever received before," said Nenshi in a previous interview with the Western Wheel. "It also means that one-third of people in a very stereotypical conservative riding in southern Alberta are actually interested in the New Democrat message."
Hallam said there's much work for Nenshi and the Alberta NDP to do if the party wants to earn the Highwood seat, including engaging with rural constituents.
"Highwood's definitely a bit of a challenge compared to, I guess, the next winning area would be Calgary obviously, and that's why he's so strong, because he's got the history and connection to Calgary," said Hallam.
"I think he'd also be looking at... Chestermere, Cochrane, Okotoks, those ones that I think they would identify as these hybrid ridings which are winnable."
Hallam said the leadership race generated much interest in the party, both in Highwood and across the province, particularly after Nenshi announced his candidacy in March.
"The Highwood [constituency association] has really benefited from the leadership race, obviously, with the membership going up so much over the course of it," said Hallam.
In the first four months of the leadership race, the Alberta NDP's membership reached 85,144, representing a five-fold increase from 16,224 on Dec. 31, 2023. In Highwood, membership increased by over 600 per cent, going from 123 to 963.
Sheila Stacey, Highwood NDP constituency association president, said that increase in membership is a good sign.
"We're hoping that we could capitalize on that excitement and energy that Nenshi supporters have brought to our constituency and the Highwood NDP," she said.
"We just need those troops on the ground, essentially showing folks who we are, engaging with them, seeing what they need and being receptive to that."
Nenshi, who Hallam said represents "a more centrist leadership," will further boost the Highwood NDP's growing movement, according to both constituency officials.
"The fact that he was somewhat an outsider, that could be a benefit, and moving forward in terms of bringing more people on board with the party, continuing to build the party... I do think [Nenshi's victory] was the best possible outcome," said Stacey.
