The newest New Democrat won leadership easily. Nenshi's next moves? Likely harder

An awkward topic came up during the final NDP leadership candidates' debate this month in Edmonton, especially for a former three-term Calgary mayor.

The Edmonton Oilers.

Naheed Nenshi admitted that growing up in Calgary in the 1980s, he had a «grudging respect» for the Wayne Gretzky-era championship dynasty.

«But here's the true story,» he added. «I'm a huge Oilers fan. Always have been.»

He then unfurled from behind his lectern a Connor McDavid jersey. «Oh. The price tag is still on.»

It's been a series of sudden uniform changes for Nenshi in the last few months. He's gone from Mr. Calgary to a provincial politician. He's moved from his trademark purple — his decidedly non-partisan or post-partisan hue — to New Democrat orange, or at least scoured online stores for neckties with both colours.

Even his Alberta NDP membership is a new look on him, acquired earlier so he could run to become Rachel Notley's successor. And now, not only has the proverbial price tag come off that new party card — he's in charge of the entire enterprise.

He's become leader with a towering mandate that will silence traditionalist skeptics in the NDP tent, or at least buy their goodwill.

The 62,746 members who selected him, more than 86 per cent of party voters, represents nearly quadruple the number of active New Democrats before Notley announced her departure.

That's more than 10 times the votes for runner-up Kathleen Ganley, a Calgary MLA.

More people voted for Nenshi on the first ballot than chose Danielle Smith on the final UCP leadership ballot in 2022, despite that party having a larger membership.

It's widely understood in NDP ranks that Nenshi brought in the vast majority of that new membership base, greatly expanding the potential volunteer army