A new poll by Janet Brown Opinion Research reveals that Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi's popularity is declining. Only 20 per cent of Albertans surveyed said they were "very impressed" by his leadership, a drop of seven percentage points from last year. In contrast, Premier Danielle Smith received a 34 per cent approval rating on the same measure.
Nenshi's losses are most pronounced in Calgary and Edmonton, where his "very impressed" ratings fell by six and eight points, respectively. He continues to hold stronger support among women overall and those aged 65 and older, as well as among Albertans with post-graduate degrees. However, his backing among women and Edmontonians has declined since 2025.
The poll comes after a period of significant political activity. Nenshi, a former three-time Calgary mayor, won the NDP leadership with 86 per cent support in 2024, drawing a crowd of 500 to a volunteer orientation when only a modest turnout was expected. His initial momentum was fueled by excitement among party supporters, but that enthusiasm has waned.
Meanwhile, the United Conservative Party (UCP) under Premier Danielle Smith has faced several controversies, including allegations of corruption in surgical facility contracts, policies easing referendum triggers for separatists, multiple uses of the notwithstanding clause, and an auditor general's report finding nearly $100 million in wasted taxpayer funds on failed lab services privatization. Despite these issues, a Leger poll from October 2025 showed Smith's approval dropping only six points to 38 per cent.
According to Janet Brown, Nenshi has not solidified his image in voters' minds, even after hiring a U.S. political agency that helped Zohran Mamdani win the New York City mayoral race within nine months. The NDP has struggled to capitalize on UCP missteps, leaving Nenshi's popularity in decline.
