General News
20 January, 2026
Member not to re-contest
Member for Western Victoria Joe McCracken recently an-nounced he will not be seeking pre-selection in this year’s state election, marking an end to his first term in the legislative council for the Liberal Party.
Mr McCracken made the announcement via social media last week, citing starting a family and the demands of politics as his reasons for discontinuing his position.
“I’ve been looking at where I am in my life, and I want to focus on growing a family and looking after my health,” he said.
“Politics is a very demanding job, and it deserves 100 percent commit-ment. I can’t give that commitment for the next four years.
“My intention is to serve out the remainder of my term, which ends at the November 2026 state election ... I am resigning as Shadow Cabinet Secretary and as Shadow Assistant Minister for Education so that another colleague has the oppor-tunity to serve in these important roles.”
First elected to state parliament in 2022, Mr McCracken is one of five currently sitting members of the Western Victorian Region, repre-senting 11 electorates in the upper house, including the seat of Ripon.
The Western Victoria MP has visited Ripon at various times during his term, including through-out 2025, addressing Maryborough VicRoads public meetings and events, often raising the topic in state parliament.
“To the people of Western Victoria, I have loved standing up for you and fighting to ensure your voice is heard in the Victorian parliament. Country people matter,” he said.
“Finally, to my family, and my partner Jack, you mean the world to me. Thank you for your unwavering support. I look forward to spending much more time together.”
The Victorian state election will take place on November 28, 2026.