Dwain Lingenfelter is the new leader of the Saskatchewan New Democrats (Stefani Langenegger/CBC)

Saskatchewan New Democrats have chosen a familiar face to lead the party as former deputy premier Dwain Lingenfelter was elected leader Saturday at the NDP's annual convention in Regina.

Lingenfelter asked for the support of his fellow candidates, saying they were no longer on separate teams, but on one team, "ready, willing, and able to defeat Brad Wall," the current premier and leader of the Saskatchewan Party.

"So let's leave here united," Lingenfelter added.

He received 46 per cent of the vote on the first ballot, which led to the elimination of Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Deb Higgins, the only candidate to hold a seat in the provincial legislature.

Regina lawyer Yens Pedersen then dropped out of the race.

Both Pedersen and Higgins threw their support behind the other remaining candidate, Saskatoon doctor Ryan Meili, but it wasn’t enough.

In the second ballot, Lingenfelter received 55 per cent of the vote to Meili’s 45 per cent

Meili cautioned his supporters against leaving the party just because he lost.

"We need you now more than ever," he said.

"Please stay with me, please join with me, in asking Mr. Lingenfelter unanimously, everyone in this room, to serve us as the leader of the New Democratic Party."

First elected to the legislature in 1978, Lingenfelter held several portfolios in the cabinet of former premier Roy Romanow and was considered Romanow's heir apparent.

But Lingenfelter left public life in 2000 to work with a Calgary-based oil company. He returned to the political arena in October 2008 to run for leadership of the NDP.

At 60, Lingenfelter is the oldest person ever elected to lead the Saskatchewan New Democrats.

Lingenfelter said he would like to find a seat in the provincial legislature before the beginning of the fall session.

Lingenfelter’s campaign caused controversy in early May when it bought 1,100 memberships for people from two First Nations in the Meadow Lake constituency, without the individuals' consent.

The memberships were withdrawn and a single volunteer was blamed for the error.

Lingenfelter apologized for the confusion, but he drew criticism from his fellow candidates and others outside the party when he remained in the leadership race.