Independent MP Frank Pangallo has been officially announced as the new Liberal candidate for the South Australian seat of Waite in the upcoming state election scheduled for March 2026. This decision marks a significant shift in Pangallo’s political alignment, as he aims to reclaim the seat, which currently holds a narrow margin of 4 percent in favor of the Labor Party.
The announcement, characterized by its lively atmosphere, showcased Pangallo’s unique style, reminiscent of his former role as a journalist with Channel 7’s Today Tonight. He expressed a commitment to apply the same tenacity in his political career as he did in his reporting, positioning himself as a vigorous critic of the current Labor government led by Premier Peter Malinauskas.
Pangallo’s introduction as the Liberal candidate was not without its awkward moments. During a handshake photo opportunity with Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia, Tarzia found himself waiting while Pangallo greeted others first. Despite this minor hiccup, Pangallo downplayed the incident, suggesting it was exaggerated.
In his remarks, Pangallo revealed that the Liberal Party had approached him over time, prompting his decision to join their ranks. He emphasized his opposition to Labor, particularly in response to comments made by Malinauskas regarding his age. Pangallo countered the Premier’s criticism, asserting that ageism is a form of discrimination and should not be a factor in public service.
The political discourse surrounding Pangallo’s candidacy has sparked reactions from within Labor ranks. Stephen Mullighan, the Treasurer of South Australia, expressed disbelief at Pangallo’s shift from being an Independent to a Liberal candidate. Mullighan noted that Pangallo had previously criticized the major parties but now appears to align with them.
As the political landscape intensifies leading up to the election, Pangallo has embraced his role as a challenger to Labor, openly welcoming any animosity that may arise. He is aware that uniting with the Liberal Party will be critical to his success in the Waite election. Analysts suggest that maintaining party cohesion will be essential to prevent a potential fallout that could disrupt his campaign.
The upcoming election will likely see a robust exchange of ideas and criticisms as Pangallo strives to make his mark within the Liberal Party while also appealing to the electorate of Waite. With Labor currently enjoying a lead in opinion polls, Pangallo faces a considerable challenge as he sets out to reclaim this pivotal seat.
