Campaigning days are over for Independent Cowper candidate Caz Heise

Independent candidate for Cowper Caz Heise has announced her political campaigning days are over.

Heise ran for the seat of Cowper twice, first in 2022 and again in the most recent federal election. Both times, she was endorsed as the Independent candidate by Voices4Cowper – a volunteer run community group.

A former nurse and healthcare worker, Heise’s platform focused heavily on improving regional healthcare and, similar to other independents across the country, not being tied to a major party line. 

While she will not put her hand up as a potential candidate for the next federal election, Heise will continue to be a part of Voices4Cowper.

Fight for an Independent candidate for Cowper continues

In an Instagram post on Monday afternoon, Heise said the goal of an Independent leader for the electorate remains.

“Let me make one thing clear: our movement continues, and it’s stronger than ever,” she wrote.

“We have thousands of people ready to continue the fight against the status quo, and I have no doubt there will be another brilliant community independent candidate ready to lead our movement into the next federal election campaign.”

Heise said the movement will continue the work of listening to and learning from the voices of community members across the Mid North Coast.

“Cowper might not have been ready for change this election, but we are not a safe seat.”

Heise made Cowper a marginal seat

Heise first ran for the seat of Cowper in the 2022 federal election and secured more than a quarter (26.26 percent) of the primary vote. After preferences were distributed Heise had 47.7 percent of the vote, with National MP Pat Conaghan holding the seat with 52.3 percent.

In the lead up to this election, Heise again was Conaghan’s most likely challenger. On Saturday, Conaghan kept his seat with a 0.77 per cent swing.

Thumbnail image supplied.