![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/04\/JoArmstrong01_29144-200x300.jpg\")
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Armstrong \u2013 an Ararat councillor since 2016 and a former mayor and deputy mayor \u2013 said The Nationals were the only party solely dedicated to fighting for regional Victorians.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a plan that will scrap taxes and deliver cost-of-living relief, crack down on crime, improve our roads, and build more houses,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will fight every day for the people of Ripon to ensure they get their fair share.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Nationals did not have a candidate in 2022.<\/p>\n
The party\u2019s senior vice-president, Chris Nixon, said The Nationals were proud to endorse Armstrong as their candidate for Ripon.<\/p>\n
\u201cJo exemplifies what it is to be a leader in the community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs the [Ararat] mayor she delivered real outcomes for her community and has the skills, drive, passion and commitment to deliver for the people of Ripon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Armstrong will move out of her president\u2019s role next month.<\/p>\n
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The Nationals have named Tatyoon farmer and Ararat Rural City councillor Jo Armstrong as their candidate for the seat of Ripon in November\u2019s Victorian election. Armstrong will be up against the incumbent, Labor\u2019s Martha Haylett, who won the seat from the Liberals\u2019 Louise Staley in the 2022 election, Liberal candidate Andrew Kilmartin and The Greens\u2019 […]<\/p>\n