Stephanie Kusie named Conservative candidate in Calgary Midnapore byelection

Stephanie Kusiehas won the Conservative nomination for the upcoming Calgary Midnaporebyelection.

The seat was vacated in September when Jason Kenneystepped down to seek the leadership of the Alberta Progressive Conservatives.

"I don't think anyone can replace Jason Kenney or his legacy. He was just an incredible parliamentarian, an incredible individual," Kusie said.

"I look forward to being myself and being the next generation of Conservative leadership for Calgary Midnapore when I go on to win the riding."

Kusie is a former diplomat whoran in Ward 12 in the 2013 municipal election, which she lost to ShaneKeating. She then tookover the role asexecutive director at Common Sense Calgary, which is described as a "citizen's advocacy group dedicated to lower taxation and responsible spending at city hall."

Kusie defeated Myles McDougall and Jack Redekop in Saturday's contest.

"To Justin Trudeau and the Liberals, bring on the by-election!," Kusie said to a cheering crowd.

Nearly 70 per cent of almost 1,800 eligibleConservative voters cast their ballot in the nomination.

The byelectiondate must be set by March 22.