Two fresh faces have confirmed they're throwing their hats the ring as the race for the federal seat of Calare begins to heat up.
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Independent Robert O'Donovan and One Nation's Jennifer Hughes have announced they'll go up against incumbent member Andrew Gee, independent Kate Hook, Labor candidate Dr Julie Cunningham and Nationals candidate Sam Farraway in the 2025 federal election.
This masthead also understands The Greens are close to securing a candidate.
Mrs Hughes, who's lived in rural communities for over 25 years and is now living on small farm just outside of Orange with her husband, was recently revealed as One Nation's candidate.
In a statement, Mrs Hughes says she understands the "unique challenges" facing country Australians and is "determined" to be voice for them in parliament.
"I've always believed in Pauline Hanson's and Malcolm Roberts' ability to stand up for Australians when the major parties won't," Mrs Hughes said.
"It's time to elect representatives who genuinely care about Australia's future and who will fight to bring back economic stability, affordable living, and national security."
Third independent announced
Newly revealed independent Robert O'Donovan is an Orange local and former high school teacher, whose key policies include enhanced pensions, fair minimum wage, higher employment benefits and an equitable retirement age.
Mr O'Donovan is the third independent candidate to run the seat of Calare in 2025. It is the first time three independent candidates have run in the same election in Calare since 2010.
At the polls 15 years ago, Paul Blanch, Karen Romano and Macgregor Ross all ran as independent candidates. Nationals candidate John Cobb won the seat of Calare for a second time.
According to his website, Mr O'Donovan as been living in a seniors retirement village in Orange for the past six years where he's seen rents increase much faster than pensions.
He's since become passionate about the struggles using unemployment benefits and living off minimum wage in order to survive.
His website says "Robert envisions a future where every resident of Calare has access to quality services, fair employment opportunities, and a supportive community environment."
