Mid-Island NDP MLA's (L-R) Stephanie Higginson, Sheila Malcolmson and George Anderson have all announced their intention to run for re-election in October. (Image Credit: BC NDP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

familiar faces

Trio of Nanaimo & Oceanside MLAs running for re-election

Sep 26, 2026 | 10:16 AM

NANAIMO — All three incumbent MLA’s across the mid-Island have announced their intention to run for re-election next month.

Nanaimo-Gabriola MLA Sheila Malcolmson, Nanaimo-Lantzville’s George Anderson, and Ladysmith-Oceanside’s Stephanie Higginson, all representing the BC NDP, will be on the ballot next month for the snap provincial election called by David Eby midweek.

For Malcolmson, she’ll seek to win a fourth election as a provincial MLA after moving from federal politics in 2019, then earning re-election in 2020 and 2024.

“I’ve been so grateful to represent people in Nanaimo for more than a decade, from the Islands Trust to federal Parliament and now in the B.C. legislature,” Malcolmson said in a statement. “I’m running again because the work of standing up for people and communities is more important than ever.”

Malcolmson comfortably won her riding over BC Conservative candidate Dale Parker by just over 18 per cent of the vote.

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Trio of Nanaimo & Oceanside MLAs running for re-election

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Nanaimo-Lantzville’s George Anderson also beat a BC Conservative candidate, Gwen O’Mahony, in 2020, in a race projected to be much closer than it turned out to be.

A former Nanaimo City Councillor, Anderson was elected with a margin of nearly 4,000 votes.

“From city hall to the Legislature, my approach has always been the same: listen to people, focus on what matters in their daily lives, and get to work,” Anderson said. “I’m ready to keep standing up for Nanaimo-Lantzville and working for a stronger B.C.”

Also seeking a second term after making the jump to provincial politics in 2024 is Ladysmith-Oceanside MLA Stephanie Higginson.

She earned a seat in Victoria over BC Conservative Brett Fee and incumbent independent Adam Walker in the last provincial election.

“I’m running again because Ladysmith-Oceanside deserves a strong voice as we navigate the uncertainty ahead: protecting good jobs, supporting families and making sure people can count on the healthcare and services they need.”

No other major provincial party have announced candidates in the three mid-Island area ridings, as of Friday, Sept. 25.

Provincial election day is Oct. 24.

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by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Trio of Nanaimo & Oceanside MLAs running for re-election

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