Chantelle Thomas

Early career

Thomas has previously worked in hospitality and as a counsellor with Lifeline.^[2] At the time of proposing her candidacy for One Nation, she described her occupations as photographer and make-up artist.^[1]

Political career

Thomas was announced as a candidate for the 2026 South Australian state election in January 2026, representing One Nation in the district of Narungga.^[1][3] At the time, Narungga was held by Fraser Ellis, a former Liberal who left the party to become an independent. In 2024, Ellis was found guilty of deception in relation to the misuse of his parliamentary allowances.^[4]

Thomas's website focused on health care, saying "One Nation will crack down on Medicare fraud and implement reforms to better remunerate GPs so they can bulk-bill".^[2] During her campaign for office, federal leader of One Nation Pauline Hanson and SA leader Cory Bernardi flew in to her electorate to lend support.^[5]

At the 2026 election, although it was clear Ellis had been defeated, Thomas and Liberal candidate Tania Stock both remained in contention as counting progressed.^[6] Following a recount, Thomas was confirmed as the MP for Narungga, leading Stock by 58 votes in the two-candidate preferred vote and becoming one of four One Nation members of the House of Assembly.^[7][8] On 16 April, after Narungga was declared for Thomas, 81 unopened ballots for the seat were discovered by the Electoral Commission of South Australia.^[9] In an indicative count performed the following day, acting Electoral Commissioner Leah McLay declared that the missing ballot papers would have increased Thomas' margin of victory from 58 to 74 votes.^[9]