Matt Canavan seeks lower house seat of Capricornia in Queensland

Nationals leader Matt Canavan will run for the lower house seat of Capricornia in Central Queensland at the next federal election. The Guardian and ABC News both reported that the senator confirmed he will seek preselection for the electorate. The move creates a potential high-profile contest with One Nation national director James Ashby. [1][2]

The Capricornia seat is being vacated by retiring Nationals chief whip Michelle Landry. ABC News noted that the senator's bid was widely expected following the revelation of the decision by Michelle Landry not to recontest her seat. Matt Canavan stated that the party needs to retain the seat to change the government and deliver for Central Queensland. [1][2]

Matthew James Canavan has served as a senator for Queensland since 2014 and became leader of the National Party of Australia in 2026. He previously served as a minister in the Turnbull and Morrison governments between 2016 and 2020. James Hunter Ashby became the party director for One Nation in August 2026, after serving as chief of staff to party leader Pauline Hanson from 2016. [11][12]

The move sets up a major political contest for regional seats in Queensland. The Courier Mail and The Nightly described the decision by Matt Canavan as a high-stakes effort to confront the influence of One Nation in the electorate. [1][7][9]