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He said his record of standing up for LGBTQ rights is one of the things he’s most proud of during his time as an elected official.

“Obviously, being one of the first three openly gay MLAs ever elected to the legislature, it was something that was very important to me and very close to my heart, making sure that LGBTQ youth won’t be outed by their school administration or teachers,” Connolly said, speaking of his party’s push to compel schools to protect gay-straight alliances.

He’s one of three Calgary-area NDP MLAs who have announced they will not be running again next year, along with Stephanie McLean, who represents the riding of Calgary-Varsity, and Brandy Payne, who represents Calgary-Acadia.

Transportation Minister and government house leader Brian Mason, who represents Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood and served as NDP leader from 2004 to 2014, has also announced this term will be his last.

In Calgary, Finance Minister Joe Ceci has said he intends to run in the riding of Calgary-Buffalo, now held by Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley, as his current riding of Calgary-Fort was eliminated amid redrawn electoral boundaries for 2019.

Ganley intends to run in Calgary-Mountain View, a riding currently held by Liberal David Swann.

But despite polls suggesting the NDP trail Jason Kenney’s UCP leading up to next year’s vote, Connolly says that didn’t play a part in his plan to step aside next year.

“It actually wasn’t a factor in my decision,” he said. “I really enjoyed my time in the legislature. I’m really proud of everything I was able to accomplish. I was really proud to be elected with such a strong group of individuals.”