Alberta’s NDP leader Rachel Notley, who announced she was resigning on Tuesday, said she might not be done with Alberta politics altogether and could even run again as an MLA.

Asked if she would consider running to become the federal NDP leader, Notley said “absolutely not,” adding, “I am not interested in pursuing federal politics at this time.” 

As for whether she would ever run again in her Edmonton-Strathcona riding, Notley, 59, said that door remains open.

“There is certainly a chance and there is a chance that I might not,” she said. 

Notley also confirmed that she will remain the NDP leader until a new one is chosen. 

“I intend to serve out my time as leader leading the caucus into the next session,” she said. 

Notley’s NDP lost the previous two elections to a majority United Conservative Party government. 

After losing the May 2023 provincial election, Notley stayed on as leader despite widespread speculation that she would eventually step down. 

She told reporters on Tuesday the reason she stayed on for over seven months after losing the last election was to lead the NDP caucus through unstable territory.

Who could replace Notley?

The Notley family has had a chokehold over the levers of NDP politics in Alberta for decades. 

Notley ruled her caucus with an iron fist, leaving no room for a real lieutenant. With no obvious replacement in line, the chance a radical underdog steers the party off to the far left is alarmingly high. 

Janis Irwin, an MLA with close ties to the ANTIFA movement is seen as a contender, along with Shannon Phillips of Lethbridge and Sarah Hoffman, the former Health Minister. 

Last week, NDP MLA Kathleen Ganley made what many interpreted as a leadership race self-promotional video, when she said “average families here in Alberta should have access to the basics.”