Lloydminster area rancher James Thorsteinson, the former president of the Saskatchewan Party, is seeking the nomination to represent Lloydminster in the October 2024 provincial election. Supplied Photo
Former Saskatchewan Party president, James Thorsteinson, has announced he will be seeking the party’s nomination in Lloydminster Constituency for the next provincial election.
Thorsteinson will compete with Colleen Young, the current Lloydminster MLA who will also seek the nomination for re-election in October 2024.
“I would like to thank Ms. Young for her advocacy for the constituents of the Lloydminster riding, but it is time for a new voice in Regina,” said Thorsteinson in a news release on Sunday.
“I will be that strong voice for the people of the Lloydminster constituency.”
Young has held the riding since she was first elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature in November 2014 and was re-elected in the 2016 and 2020 general elections.
“I have worked hard to advocate for the people of the constituency on many fronts, and I want to continue working and advocating on their behalf,” said Young in an email on Wednesday after our press deadline.
Thorsteinson who served as the longest president in Saskatchewan Party history said a number of members of the constituency began to reach out to him.
“Shortly after my resignation, I had quite a few people call or text me, encouraging me to run. After discussing it with my family, and others within the community, I felt the time was right to seek the support of our members in this riding to represent them in the Saskatchewan Legislature,” he said.
Tim McMillan a former Lloydminster MLA and cabinet minister in the Saskatchewan Party has added his endorsement to Thorsteinston’s nomination bid.
He says Thorsteinson has been indispensable to him and the party for two decades and would make a great MLA.
“I am proud to share my views about this strong leader,” said McMillan in a statement.
Thorsteinson runs a ranch east of Lloydminster, with his wife, Lana. The couple has three adult sons, Cody, Shane, and Jacob.
He is a strong supporter of 4-H and volunteers for various duties in the area. He also serves on the Board of the Libbie Young Centre, in Lloydminster, and is a recent recipient of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Thorsteinson also has the support of another former Lloydminster MLA Milt Wakefield.
“He is a proven leader at the highest level. His cooperative approach and political understanding undoubtedly qualify him to be a great MLA for the people of Lloydminster and area,” said Wakefield.
Nominations are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
—Story updated April 20
