Candidates for the 2026 Victorian state election have begun to emerge.
Victoria is just under seven months out from the 2026 state election and hopeful candidates for the upper and lower houses are beginning to emerge.
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The seat of Murray Plains has been held by State Member Peter Walsh since 2014 when the Swan Hill and Rodney electorates merged.
With Mr Walsh stepping away from politics, it will be the first time in more than a decade the electorate will have a fresh face representing it on Spring St.
One of the hopefuls looking to be that fresh face is Campaspe Shire councillor Zoe Cook for the Greens Party.
Miss Cook, a Lockington resident, believes she can bring her experience on council since 2024, dealings with state government and her values to “breathe new life” into the parliamentary chamber.
Zoe Cook will represent the Greens Party in the 2026 Victorian state election for the Murray Plains seat
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McPherson Media Group
In her pre-election campaign, she will continue her advocacy of expanding public transport, providing accessible local infrastructure, fully funding public services, climate change policies and securing public housing.
She’ll be looking to convert Murray Plains into a more marginal seat with hopes it will bring attention to the region in government support.
“By running an active campaign and telling people there are alternative things the state government can and should do in rural areas, people will think about shifting their vote,” she said.
“I want to show I think these good things are possible, and through this process of the election, people can do that by voting one, Zoe Cook for the Greens.”
Mr Walsh was also the leader of the Victorian Nationals up until 2024.
It will be the first time the party has held a pre-selection vote for the Murray Plains seat, and after nominations closed on April 9, three candidates are up for the battle.
Outgoing Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking, regional prosecutor and Burramboot resident Alexander Lew and current Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub will pitch themselves to the Nationals as the party’s best chance of re-election.
Nationals’ state director Jake McKenzie-Edwards said the party would hope to have a candidate set in stone by early May.
As for the upper house, fruit grower, wheat trader and Cobram Secondary College teacher Steve Brooks has been endorsed by the Liberal Party to lead the Coalition’s northern Victoria ticket.
Having grown up along the Murray River, Mr Brooks has a first-hand understanding of the area and has spent 11 years selling Australian produce overseas.
Steve Brooks will seek a spot in the Legislative Council in the Northern Victoria seat.
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Mr Brooks said he believed the greatest challenge the community faced was the inability of many young Australians to own their own home and would like to see an increase in the number of houses being built.
He also wants to prioritise getting the Victorian Government’s finances under control.
“I want to see a return to sensible government to focus on fixing the cost of living, getting on top of Victoria’s debt and delivering the front-line services Victorians expect,” Mr Brooks said.
Candidates are encouraged to contact The Riv ahead of the state election by emailing editorial@riverineherald.com.au
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