Manitoba’s NDP added a high profile name to its coffers Tuesday.

“I am Wab Kinew and I am seeking the nomination to be your NDP candidate for Fort Rouge,” indigenous broadcaster, author and activist Wab Kinew announced to a packed room at Winnipeg’s Gas Station Arts Centre, he’s running for a seat in the Manitoba legislature.

The move is set to provide a boost for the NDP government that has struggled with low poll numbers and the departure of longtime members.

Former finance minister Jennifer Howard, holds Winnipeg’s Fort Rouge seat until this April’s provincial election.

She announced last week she will not seek re-election.

“My role as MLA, I’ve always had top of mind that it is to serve the people of this neighbourhood, to serve the people of this constituency, and I know those folks are going to be in good hands,” Howard said Tuesday.

Many political watchers consider Kinew a high profile name.

Political scientist Christopher Adams says this riding will be one to watch, “he's up against Rana Bokhari, the leader of the Liberal Party, and the liberals are doing very well in the polls, so it's going to be an interesting fight.”

Bokhari released a statement regarding the nomination of Kinew on Tuesday.

“I like Wab Kinew, but residents of Fort Rouge know a vote for Wab is a vote for Greg Selinger," she said.

That vote would be much appreciated by the NDP premier, who is working to change a negative party image.

“Wab is a very visible sign of that renewal that's going on in the party,” said Selinger.

Kinew, acknowledged it will take work to keep NDP voters in the constituency, “I know that this is going to be a challenge I know that in some ways this is going to be an uphill race.”

Audrey Gordon is carrying the Tory banner in the constituency.

In this riding, many consider the PC party to be in a distant third, its candidate was not threatened by the announcement.

“What I offer is a compassionate person who has a great deal of experience in many different areas of government including health care, and I’m trustworthy,” said Gordon.

Several opinion polls have suggested NDP support has plummeted since the government raised the provincial sales tax in 2013. Recent polls suggest the party is 20 points behind the Opposition Progressive Conservatives and very close to the Liberals.

Kinew's decision could also translate into more NDP support from the indigenous community, especially in central Winnipeg and the province's north.

The Liberals recently secured two high-profile indigenous candidates - activist Althea Guiboche and youth leader Tyler Duncan. Duncan sat on the NDP executive until last month, when he jumped to the Liberals.

Kinew is the associate vice-president for indigenous relations at the University of Winnipeg and author of the bestselling book "The Reason You Walk." He also worked as a journalist with the CBC and hosted the documentary series "Eighth Fire."

- With files from The Canadian Press