EDMONTON — One of the candidates in the Alberta NDP leadership race is dropping out to support fellow contender Naheed Nenshi.

Edmonton legislature member Rakhi Pancholi says she’s abandoning her bid because a recent update shows Nenshi has more than doubled the party’s membership totals in just a week.

Pancholi says the numbers make it clear it’s time to unite behind the former Calgary mayor and their shared goals and vision.

Nenshi entered the race two weeks ago and was one of six candidates to replace current party leader Rachel Notley.

The other remaining candidates are Edmonton legislature members Sarah Hoffman and Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse, Calgary legislature member Kathleen Ganley, and Gil McGowan, president of the Alberta Federation of Labour.

Party members pick a new leader June 22.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 26, 2024.

The Canadian Press