2024 New South Wales local elections

In the lead-up to the 2023 state election, several incumbent independent mayors joined political parties to contest the state election.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Peta Pinson joined the Nationals and announced her candidacy for Port Macquarie in the election,[4] challenging incumbent National-turned-Liberal MP Leslie Williams. Pinson stated that if she was elected, she would remain Mayor.[4] Williams was re-elected.

Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick joined the Liberal Party to contest the seat of Bega.[5] Bega was formerly held by Liberal MP Andrew Constance until he resigned to contest the federal seat of Gilmore at the 2022 federal election (when he was unsuccessful, but did almost win the seat), causing a by-election which saw the Labor candidate (Michael Holland) won the seat from the Liberals. Fitzpatrick was unsuccessful and Holland retained the seat with an increased margin.

The following registered parties are expected to contest the local elections:

• Animal Justice Party
• Greens
• Labor Party
• Liberal Democrats
• Liberal Party
• Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party
• Socialist Alliance
• Sustainable Australia Party
• The Small Business Party

In addition, a number of local government-registered parties are also expected to contest.[6]

A number of councillors joined or left parties before the 2024 elections.