The Alberta NDP have held onto a Lethbridge seat in the party’s first electoral test since Naheed Nenshi became the leader.
New Democrat Rob Miyashiro won with 7,239 votes thus far, edging out the United Conservative Party’s John Middleton-Hope, who received 6,089.
“I’m honoured to carry on the fight for the people of Lethbridge-West,” said Myashiro during his victory speech on Wednesday.
Myashiro had kind words for Middleton-Hope following his win, acknowledging that difficulties one endures after entering politics from any side.
“It’s a difficult thing to do,” he said. “You’re in the public eye and you’re taking all the shots, so good on him and his team running a good campaign.”
Alberta Party candidate Layton Veverka received 233 votes.
While the official byelection results won’t be released until Dec. 28, 100% of the voting stations have reported their counts.
Miyashiro told residents of the riding that he would not let them down.
“The people of Lethbridge-West really are sending a message to our government that what they’re doing isn’t good enough,” he said.
Miyashiro ran in last year’s election but lost to United Conservative Party candidate Nathan Neudorf.
After winning his seat in the legislature, Miyashiro announced he will be resigning from his current position as executive director of the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization.
The legislature seat had been vacant for some time, following New Democrat MLA Shannon Phillips’ resignation on July 1.
Miyashiro said the party’s win should be an indicator to the provincial government that people want change.