Alberta NDP Wins Two Byelections, UCP Holds One

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi secured a commanding victory in the Edmonton-Strathcona byelection, winning over 82 percent of the vote and finally gaining a seat in the legislature after leading the party from outside since 2024. This win, succeeding former Premier Rachel Notley, allows Nenshi to confront Premier Danielle Smith directly in the legislature's upcoming fall session, where he aims to advocate for stronger economic growth, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The NDP also retained Edmonton-Ellerslie with Gurtej Singh Brar's victory, while the United Conservative Party (UCP) held Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills with Tara Sawyer winning about 61 percent of the vote. Nenshi criticized the UCP's recent by-election losses as a sign of their failure to present a better future, emphasizing his commitment to building an Alberta with accessible healthcare and strong schools. Premier Smith congratulated Nenshi on social media and expressed willingness for constructive debate focused on advancing Alberta’s interests. These results reflect shifting political dynamics in Alberta, with the NDP consolidating urban support and the UCP maintaining rural seats amid the presence of separatist candidates gaining some attention.