Nepean By-election 2026: Candidates Announced

Several candidates have announced they will contest the 2026 Nepean state by-election, with more likely to join the race before nominations close.

The by-election follows the shock resignation of Liberal MP Sam Groth, triggering a vote in the Mornington Peninsula electorate which covers communities from Safety Beach to Portsea. The by-election alone will set taxpayers back $2 million dollars.

As parties and independent campaigns confirm their candidates, this article will operate as a live guide to the Nepean by-election candidates and will be updated as new contenders enter the race.

Candidates announced so far

The following candidates have publicly confirmed they will contest the Nepean by-election:

Candidate/Party:

Anthony Marsh, Liberal Party
Tracee Hutchison, Independent
Darren Hercus, One Nation
Peter Angelico, Libertarian Party
Sianan Healy, Greens Party

This list will be updated as further candidates are announced.

Anthony Marsh: Liberal candidate for the Nepean by-election

marsh lib 12611235335788495934 — Anthony Marsh, Liberal Party Candidate for Nepean.

The embattled Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Anthony Marsh has been preselected as the Liberal Party candidate for the Nepean by-election.

Marsh has served multiple terms as councillor and mayor on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and previously made explicit statements to voters and the media that he is an independent candidate and “would never leave to run for parliament”.

He has taken leave from his mayoral duties while contesting the state seat.

Anthony Marsh, in his tenure, is the only Mayor in the history of the Mornington Peninsula Shire history to be under state watch with two monitors appointed to the council by the Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos. The terms of reference outlined in their appointment raises some very serious concerns.

Background and previous reporting

STPL News has previously reported on several issues relating to Marsh and the broader political context surrounding his candidacy.

Liberal Party backing and campaign positioning
STPL News reported the Liberal Party locked out the rank and file fast track Marsh’s preselection following the by-election announcement, signalling strong internal backing for his campaign.
Candidate selection and political context
Earlier coverage outlined the circumstances surrounding the Liberal Party’s endorsement of Marsh as its candidate.
Public sentiment survey
From the moment of speculation to the point it was confirmed, Marsh’s candidacy has been overwhelming negative.
State oversight of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
Marsh’s mayoralty has coincided with the Victorian Government appointing municipal monitors to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, placing the council under additional state oversight.

Tracee Hutchison: independent candidate for Nepean

fb img 17729404820708326523782687522258 — Tracee Hutchison is the independent candidate for Nepean.

Broadcaster, writer and community advocate Tracee Hutchison has announced she will run as a community independent candidate.

Hutchison lives in Rosebud and is associated with the group Independents for Mornington Peninsula.

She has worked across television, radio and cultural sectors and has been involved in arts, media and community advocacy roles across Victoria.

Her campaign is expected to focus on community representation and local priorities including healthcare and infrastructure on the Mornington Peninsula.

Further details about her campaign launch are available in the earlier STPL News report.

Darren Hercus: One Nation candidate for Nepean

images 61702630355795261579 — Darren Hercus is the One Nation candidate for Nepean.

Darren Hercus has been announced as the candidate for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.

Hercus is a small business owner and civil engineer who has said rising business costs and government policy settings influenced his decision to run.

His campaign has highlighted issues including cost-of-living pressures, healthcare access and policing.

Preferences:

Hercus says his party does not want to act as a support vehicle for the Liberals in the Nepean by-election, instead positioning itself as a genuine contender while campaigning on cost of living, housing, crime and Rosebud Hospital.

Read: Darren Hercus says One Nation will not play ‘support role’ in Nepean

Peter Angelico: Libertarian candidate for Nepean

fb img 17729381609582458558768197931433 — Peter Angelico is the Libertarian Party candidate for Nepean.

Peter Angelico will represent the Libertarian Party in the Nepean by-election.

Angelico previously had involvement with the Liberal Party before joining the Libertarian movement.

The Libertarian Party platform promotes reduced government intervention, civil liberties and economic freedom.

Read:

Sianan Healy: Greens candidate for Nepean

fb img 1772938793806220987422888863835 — Sianan Healy is the Greens Party candidate for Nepean.

The Victorian Greens have endorsed Sianan Healy as their candidate for Nepean.

Healy lives on the Mornington Peninsula and works in the women’s health sector.

She has a background in research and education and has highlighted issues including cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability, environmental protection and funding for Rosebud Hospital.

Campaign timeline

February 2026 – Liberal MP Sam Groth resigns, triggering a Nepean by-election
February 2026 – Anthony Marsh announced as the Liberal Party candidate
March 2026 – Darren Hercus confirmed as One Nation candidate
March 2026 – Sianan Healy endorsed by the Greens
March 2026 – Tracee Hutchison announces community independent campaign

This timeline will be updated as further campaign developments occur.

Key dates for the Nepean by-election

The Victorian Electoral Commission has outlined the key stages for the by-election process.

13 March 2026 – Writ issued for the Nepean by-election
16 March 2026 (9am) – Candidate nominations and postal vote applications open
20 March 2026 (8pm) – Electoral roll closes
10 April 2026 – Candidate nominations close
22 April 2026 – Early voting begins
2 May 2026 – Election day
2 May 2026 (6pm) – Voting closes and counting begins

Voters in the Nepean electorate will elect a new member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly to replace former Liberal MP Sam Groth.

Issues likely to shape the Nepean campaign

As the campaign develops, several local and statewide issues are expected to feature prominently in the Nepean by-election.

Issues raised in early campaign announcements and public discussion include:

Healthcare services on the Mornington Peninsula, including access to Rosebud Hospital
Cost-of-living pressures and housing affordability
Crime, law and order
Infrastructure and transport affecting peninsula communities
Environmental and coastal management
Local governance and oversight of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

Candidates are expected to outline further policy positions as the campaign progresses.