Four days after the New South Wales election, Labor's candidate for the seat of Monaro has claimed victory.
The ABC called the seat, in the state's south, for Steve Whan on election night after a 15 per cent swing in his favour was recorded.
But incumbent Nationals MP Nichole Overall is yet to concede defeat.
"Its certain that I'm going to be the new member," Mr Whan said.
"I'm really thrilled with that and very grateful for the support that we've received from everybody in the Monaro electorate, and obviously looking forward to getting on with it."
Ms Overall won the seat in a 2022 by-election that was triggered by the resignation of former deputy premier John Barilaro.
The ABC has contacted Ms Overall for comment but is yet to receive a response.
Seat reclaimed
Mr Whan was the member for Monaro from 2003 to 2011, when he lost the seat to Mr Barilaro.
He moved to the upper house after losing the seat and said he would retire from politics after falling short in Monaro again in 2015.
The Queanbeyan local only entered the race in the weeks leading up to this year's election after Labor's endorsed candidate Terry Campese pulled out.
Mr Whan said he was angered and disappointed by the media reports about Mr Campese's personal life that led to his withdrawal.
"That's partly what fired me up to go, to actually say that I'd do this," Mr Whan said.
He puts his victory down to Labor's policies on public sector workers and his personal profile.
"I think I clearly had a reasonable profile in a lot of the electorate," Mr Whan said.
"I consistently was talking about the need to look at those critical issues around staffing our schools and our hospitals, things that the Liberal-National government just didn't seem to want to address."
Based on the ABC's projections, Mr Whan will be the only candidate to unseat a Nationals MP at this state election.
Speaking the day after the election, Nationals leader Paul Toole said it would always be a challenge to hold Monaro.
"We've got an incredibly strong fighter down there in Nichole Overall," Mr Toole said.
"We also know it's a bellwether seat — it does tend to move with the government, so it is incredibly tough to actually hold on, given that scenario."
'Ready to serve'
Premier Chris Minns is expected to announce his front bench next week.
During his previous stint in parliament, Mr Whan held numerous ministries, including primary industries, rural affairs and emergency services.
In his time out of parliament, he has served as the chief executive of the National Irrigators Council and as a director at Murrumbidgee Irrigation.
Mr Whan has not ruled out a tilt for a place on the front bench.
"Ministerial appointments are entirely up to the leader," he said.
"I have certainly indicated that I am willing to serve.
"I have ministerial experience — it's up to the new premier how he'd like to use my experience and the knowledge I can offer, particularly in the areas around primary industries and rural and regional issues."
Labor's agriculture spokesperson Mick Veitch looks set to leave parliament after being bumped down the legislative council ticket.
