Svoboda has no regrets about campaign

By Lethbridge Herald on April 30, 2025.

Alexandra Noad
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalis Initiative Reporter

Nathan Svoboda says he chose to run in the federal election with the goal to advocate for his community, its industries and those who are often forgotten by the government, which he believes he accomplished even though he didn’t win his riding.

Svoboda received a total of 2,433 votes which was 3.7 per cent of the total share of votes for the Lethbridge riding. In total, the NDP received 6.3 per cent of the vote, dropping from 25 seats to just seven and losing official party status along with them. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh announced Tuesday that he would be stepping down from the position immediately.

While his campaign may be over, Svoboda says he plans on continuing his advocacy work through his job at Recovery Alberta and volunteering for the Soup Kitchen, Streets Alive and the Sage Clan.

“All those industries still need volunteers; they still need me and all of us to come together to support our community.”

Svoboda says he chose to run for the NDP as he felt like their values most aligned with him and the work he was already doing with the community. He adds that he felt like a natural progression of the work he was already doing.

“This felt like a natural progression of my advocacy, so it did take away from some of my time to volunteer and be able to work, but I definitely prioritized my family through this whole thing, which I’m proud of.”

Spending time with his family was so important to him, that he spent Wednesday at his child’s soccer practice instead of hosting a viewing party.

He adds that this role felt very natural for him and people shouldn’t be surprised if they see him run again. Until then, he plans on continuing his volunteer and advocacy work with the vulnerable population.