It was a long and sometimes bitterly fought campaign, but Andrew Gee has retained his seat of Calare in the 2025 federal election.

Voters went to the polls on Saturday, May 3, in what is one of the most hotly contested elections seen in Calare in recent years. Long seen as a safe seat for The Nationals, the fight for Calare took a twist following Andrew Gee’s resignation from the party over its opposition to the Indigenous Voice referendum.

Running as an independent, Mr Gee secured victory over The Nationals’ Sam Farraway by 12,591 votes, receiving 56.35 per cent of the two-candidate-preferred vote to Farraway’s 43.65 per cent.

“I’m extraordinarily grateful to be returned as Federal Member for Calare,” Mr Gee said in a statement on social media.

“A heartfelt thanks to all the voters and communities who supported our campaign at the polling booths around the region. We got there together!

“To all of our Team Gee volunteers who worked so hard for our campaign, words can’t express how much I appreciate all your hard work! I’m hoping to catch up with you all soon so I can thank you personally.

“And my deepest gratitude to my wonderful family, staff, and friends for their unwavering support.

“Representing the region that I love is the honour of my life. Today the work of fighting and delivering for Calare continues!”

Conceding defeat on Sunday, Sam Farraway extended his congratulations to Andrew Gee and also thanked his supporters and family.

“So many people gave so much, and while this isn’t the result we hoped for after such a long and hard-fought campaign, I’m incredibly grateful,” Mr Farraway told his followers.

“I stood for election because I believed Calare should be part of the Liberals and Nationals in government across Australia. Clearly, the nation chose a different direction last night, and many in Calare felt the same.

“My heart will always be in fighting for our region – to ensure we receive not just what we’re given, but what we truly need. I look forward to finding new ways to contribute to our community.”

The Nationals received 30.3 per cent of first preference votes at the recent election, which is well down on the 47.7 per cent Mr Gee received when he represented the party in 2022.

Mr Gee’s share of first preference vote at this election was 23.9 per cent, while fellow independent and renewable energy advocate Kate Hook drew 15.9 per cent. Kate Hook had previously contested the seat against Mr Gee in 2022.

The Labor Party’s Julie Cunningham received 10.2 per cent, which is a drop of nearly 5 per cent on the previous election.

Of the remaining candidates: One Nation’s Jennifer Hughes – 7.7 per cent; Legalise Canabis Party, Sue Raye – 3.8 per cent; The Greens, Ben Parker – 3.3 per cent; Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, Jase Lesage – 2 per cent; Family First, Ross Hazelton – 1.6 per cent; and Trumpet of Patriots, Vicki O’Leary – 1.4 per cent.

There were 7,661 informal votes cast at this election, which is 7.15 per cent of all votes, compared to 4,455 informal votes at the previous election.