Alex Antic's SA Liberal Rise Sparks Party Vote Collapse Fears 2026

Alex Antic's rise in the South Australian Liberals has coincided with a collapse in the party's vote, raising questions about whether there is further to fall. The rogue Liberal senator was elected as state president over the weekend, defeating upper house leader Nicola Centofanti 119 to 73. This development has intensified concerns among moderates about the party's direction and electoral prospects.

Alex Antic's Ascendancy and Its Impact

Antic's election as state president marks a significant victory for the conservative faction within the SA Liberals. He claims he will give "back some voice" to party members, many of whom are part of "Alex's Army"—evangelical and Pentecostal Christians he recruited into the party's operational wing. This has given the rightwinger substantial influence in a state long plagued by turf wars between conservatives and moderates.

Pollster Tony Barry, director of corporate affairs at RedBridge, has branded Antic a "vote-losing machine" for the party. Since Antic's ascendancy, the Liberals have suffered heavy defeats at both federal and state elections. In South Australia's March election, the party was left with just five lower house seats, a historic low.

The Moderates' Dilemma

Moderates fear that opposition leader Ashton Hurn's efforts to rebuild the party will be undermined by constant questions about Antic's controversial views on vaccinations, trans issues, and climate change. These distractions could hinder the party's ability to reconnect with voters and present a united front.

There is also speculation that the federal party might forcibly take over the state branch due to concerns over Antic's close relationship with One Nation and his potential to further damage the party's vote. Such a move would be unprecedented and could deepen internal divisions.

Electoral Performance Under Antic's Influence

The data below illustrates the Liberal Party's performance in recent elections, highlighting the decline that has coincided with Antic's rise:

Note: The 2022 SA state election result of 5 seats is a significant drop from 25 in 2018, reflecting a dramatic loss of support.

Key Takeaways

• Alex Antic's election as SA Liberal president has coincided with a sharp decline in the party's electoral fortunes.
• Moderates worry that Antic's controversial views will distract from efforts to rebuild the party.
• Speculation exists that the federal party may intervene in the state branch due to concerns over Antic's influence.
• The Liberal Party's primary vote and seat count have fallen significantly in recent elections.

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