Broten announced his intention to run for the leadership in September 2012. He was one of four candidates alongside Saskatoon doctor Ryan Meili, Regina MLA Trent Wotherspoon, and Regina economist Erin Weir. Weir ultimately withdrew before the election and endorsed Meili, which led to a close three-way contest. Meili led on the first ballot by more than 400 votes, but on the second ballot Broten eked out a win by a margin of just 44 votes to become leader. Following the election, Broten appointed Wotherspoon to be his deputy leader.