The National Party’s Shane Sali and Phillip Bryant of One Nation are likely to draw the most attention on the ballot paper
In Mr Sali’s corner, he has name recognition from both his time as City of Greater Shepparton mayor and his family’s long history in the area.
While Mr Bryant may be unknown to many, the surging popularity of One Nation certainly isn’t.
According to his profile on One Nation’s website, Mr Bryant is a former member of the defence force from Dookie, who has spent 30 years volunteering for the CFA and has extensive retail management experience.
This election will be Mr Bryant’s first time running for office and he is joined by a field of One Nation candidates across the state who have similar histories coming from a variety of backgrounds with little political experience.
Mr Sali’s political history begins with his family’s history in the Liberal Party, with his first step into office in 2020 when he was elected as a councillor.
He became mayor just under two years later, when then-mayor Kim O’Keeffe stepped down for her ultimately successful bid to become the state Member for Shepparton.
Ms O’Keeffe initially said she would run again when asked in June this year, but just a month later, she announced that she would not contest the state election.
This decision opened the door for Mr Sali to seek preselection from the National Party.
The playing field also contains Labor’s Cayla Fin and the Greens’ Grace Verney and more minor candidates may emerge.
Mr Sali’s solid reputation could be expected to serve him well in a typical election year, but the 2026 vote could be unlike any the state has seen.
As The News’ Facebook comment section might suggest, an orange tide may put even Mr Sali’s 194cm tall frame underwater.
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