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Pancholi quits Alberta NDP leadership bid, backs Nenshi

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Rakhi Pancholi, a two-term Alberta NDP MLA, announced her candidacy for the provincial NDP leadership in a video on social media. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Rakhi Pancholi Campaign, Jon Yee)

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.