A major political shake-up is unfolding across our regions, with independents and minor parties claiming key seats in the 2026 South Australian election and one Liberal MP managing to hold on to his seat in the Adelaide Hills.
MacKillop in the South East and Coorong
One Nation has secured MacKillop this morning, with councillor Jason Virgo officially declared the winner. The electorate encompassing the Coorong and South East of South Australia had been one of the Liberal Party’s safest, previously held by Nick McBride, who contested as an independent while wearing an ankle monitor and fighting assault charges. Liberal candidate Rebekha Rosser conceded defeat in the state election race this morning.
Kavel & Heysen in the Adelaide Hills
In the Adelaide Hills, Heysen has been one of the closest contests, with Liberal MP Josh Teague narrowly retaining the electorate by just 266 votes. The Deputy Liberal Leader secured just over 50 per cent of the vote, holding off a strong challenge from Labor and the Greens in a tight three-way race.
Addressing social media followers after his win, Teague said he “couldn’t be prouder to represent the best place in the world”.
The neighbouring seat of Kavel, Independent Matt Schultz has officially won the seat, following the retirement of outgoing MP Dan Cregan, who endorsed him. The Mount Barker community leader has pledged to push for major infrastructure upgrades, including a town bypass, improved roads, public transport and a new high school.
Finniss in the Fleurieu Peninsula
Independent candidate Lou Nicholson is set to win Finniss, unseating Liberal MP David Basham after a strong swing on the South Coast. While the result is yet to be formally declared, Nicholson is leading by more than 2,700 votes, with around 55 per cent of the vote. Some media outlets are calling it a win.
The Goolwa-based councillor and allied health professional ran a campaign focused on improving hospital and healthcare access. It was her second tilt at the seat, after narrowly missing out in 2022.
Hammond in Strathalbyn and the Murraylands
Despite no official word on Hammond, One Nation candidate Robert Roylance has claimed victory, ending Liberal MP Adrian Pederick’s 20-year hold on the electorate.
Roylance is a Mannum ferry operator and small business owner, who campaigned on cost-of-living pressures, ambulance ramping and education reform.
Local Councillors become MLCs for One Nation
The results come as One Nation also gains ground in the upper house, with two candidates from the region set to take seats in the Legislative Council.
Victor Harbor councillor Carlos Quaremba will join party leader Cory Bernardi in Parliament, while former Mount Barker councillor Rebecca Hewett has secured a third MLC position for the party.
