After weeks of fierce competition and a whirlwind of uncertainty, Labor has officially held onto the federal seat of Calwell albeit with a significantly reduced margin.
With one step remaining in the preference distribution, it became clear the ALP would retain the seat, with Basem Abdo securing 55.1 per cent of the two-candidate preferred vote and a 9131-vote lead over independent challenger Carly Moore.
The result marks a drop from the party’s previous 12.4 per cent margin two-party preferred at the least election.
Mr Abdo, who succeeds retiring MP Maria Vamvakinou, struck a tone of gratitude and determination in his victory message.
“Thank you to the people of Calwell for the incredible trust you’ve placed in me, and in Labor’s strong agenda,” he said.
“To have the privilege of representing the area I grew up in is one of the greatest honours of my life.”
The 2025 contest in Calwell was among the most hotly contested in the country, with independents like Carly Moore and Joseph Youhana riding a wave of voter discontent.
Abdo was quick to credit his community-focused platform and grassroots support.
“Ours was a campaign centred on local people, and on the issues that matter most to them. A focus on our area, our home. our community, our future,” he said.
“This was a grassroots campaign, powered by locals and by you.”
Reflecting on the path ahead, Mr Abdo promised to be a strong advocate in Canberra.
“I’m ready to get to work. To deliver on our commitments. To be a strong local voice inside the Albanese Labor government. And I will always serve this community with determination and purpose and your interests first.”
Ms Moore, who resigned from the Labor Party to stand as an independent said she was immensely proud she and the community had achieved.
“The dedication, energy, and belief from so many of you has been nothing short of inspiring,” she said on social media. “Thank you to everyone who supported me and shared in this vision.
“Calwell is no longer a safe seat, and the major parties must pay attention to us. Our elected MPs will be held to a higher standard than ever before, and this can only be a good thing. This is only the beginning of politics done differently in the north.”
Ms Moore is set to return to her role as a Hume councillor having taken a leave of absence during the campaign.
