She made the decision late yesterday, not long after May 9 was confirmed as the by-election date.
Ms Dalton said water policy is still her top priority.
“I have no intention of stepping away from this fight. If anything, the pressure is about to increase,” Ms Dalton said.
Once firmly a safe Coalition seat, the federal seat of Farrer and its issues are now firmly in the spotlight due to the pending vote.
The resignation of Sussan Ley after her failed attempt to hang on to the Liberal leadership last month has seen all eyes turn to our region.
And there’s a few locals who are making sure the Deni district, in particular, is at the centre of the gaze, with Russell Tait featuring in at least one report aired on national television this week.
Confirmed candidates to date include Independent Michelle Milthorpe, who got a groundswell of support when she challenged Ms Ley at the last election proper.
Another 2025 Farrer candidate, Family First’s Rebecca Scriven, has also been named by the ABC as a confirmed candidate.
Another two candidates are expected to be confirmed this weekend.
One Nation will have its pre-selection vote tomorrow.
Candidates include David Farley, of Narrandera, who was recently elected chair of Speak Up 4 Water.
He will be up against Albury small business owner and mother of three Leigh Wolki, and Guy Cooper, a 31 year-old farmer from Boeill Creek, in the far western corner of the electorate, north of Mildura.
It is also understood The Nationals will be holding a pre-selection vote this weekend, although the party would not respond when confirmation was sought.
Among the favourites to win pre-selection for the Nationals is retired army colonel Brad Robertson, who has been nominated by the Albury branch he chairs.
Other candidates expected to be put forward for pre-selection include former Wodonga Council Mayor Kevin Poulson, current Albury City Council councillor and former mayor Kylie King, and beef farmer and Herefords Australia chair Marc Greening, who is based near Book Book.
The Library Party is still progressing through its pre-selection process, with nominations closing this week.
A timeframe on an announcement could not be provided.
Renowned political commentator Antony Green says “it looks set to be a remarkable contest”.
While he says “boundary changes might have tilted the seat in favour of the Nationals”, he also said “none of this takes account of a very different contest likely to unfold at the by-election that will involve One Nation, Independents and goodness how many other candidates”.
