THE Nationals candidate for Mildura Jade Benham has claimed victory over sitting Independent Ali Cupper with just over 85 per cent of votes counted.
Ms Benham has maintained her narrow lead in the two candidate preferred vote, however the Victorian Electoral Commission has yet to declare a successful candidate as votes continue to be counted.
Ms Cupper has received 33.87 per cent of first preference votes compared to Ms Benham’s 25.87 per cent, but strong preferences to The Nationals’ candidate has her favoured to claim the seat with 51.34 per cent of the two candidate preferred votes to Ms Cupper’s 48.66 per cent.
Ms Benham took to social media this week to thank her supporters and said she looked forward to fighting for the electorate.
“I cannot wait to work hard with you and fight for our region together,” she said.
“Regional Victoria has elected a strong Nationals team that will be holding the Andrews Labor Government to account every day, making sure that regional communities are not ignored.
“It’s an incredible honour to have won your trust and I will work as hard as I know how to keep it.
“Starting now.”
