General News
17 April, 2026
Nationals announce their Ripon candidate
The Nationals have selected Ararat Rural City councillor Jo Armstrong as their candidate for the seat of Ripon in this year’s state election.
A councillor since 2016, Ms Armstrong said in a statement released by The Nationals on Tuesday it was an honour to be the party’s Ripon candidate.
“Ripon is a diverse electorate made up of many distinct communities, and right across the region people feel they’ve been badly let down by Labor,” she said.
“With the rising cost of living, increasing crime, roads riddled with potholes, and a worsening housing shortage, it’s no surprise locals are calling for a strong local leader who will stand up for our communities, and deliver real improvements to their quality of life.”
The farmer and Tatyoon local has previously served terms as mayor and deputy mayor for Ararat Rural City Council and was elected uncontested as The Victorian Nationals president in 2024.
“The Nationals are the only party that is solely dedicated to fighting for regional Victorians. We have a plan that will scrap taxes and deliver cost-of-living relief, crack down on crime, improve our roads, and build more houses,” she said in The Nationals’ announce-ment earlier this week.
“I will fight every day for the people of Ripon to ensure they get their fair share.”
The Nationals’ senior vice president, Chris Nixon, said the party was proud to endorse Ms Armstrong as its candidate for Ripon.
“Jo exemplifies what it is to be a leader in the community,” he said.
“As the mayor she delivered real outcomes for her community and has the skills, drive, passion and commitment to deliver for the people of Ripon.”
Ms Armstrong will transition out of her current role as Victorian Nationals’ president in May.
The Nationals have not run a candidate in the seat of Ripon since 2014. According to the Victorian Electoral Commission, The Nationals obtained 18.33 percent of first preferences during the 2014 state election, with a total of 7342 votes.