Federal Liberal Senator Alex Antic has secured the presidency of the South Australian Liberal Party, winning an internal vote against upper house leader Nicola Centofanti by a margin of 119 to 73. This leadership change marks a significant shift in the state party’s internal power structure, which has historically been characterized by ongoing friction between conservative and moderate members.

Antic, who represents the party’s right wing, has stated his intention to return influence to the party’s rank-and-file membership. His rise within the organization is closely linked to his recruitment efforts, which have brought a significant number of evangelical and Pentecostal Christians into the party’s operational wing. Supporters of this movement are often referred to as “Alex’s Army.”

While Antic frames his election as a move toward grassroots empowerment, the transition occurs during a period of electoral difficulty for the South Australian Liberal Party. The party has experienced a decline in its vote share, leading to internal debate regarding whether the shift toward a more conservative base will stabilize the party or lead to further electoral losses. The election results highlight the ongoing dominance of the conservative faction in the state, effectively consolidating power after years of turf wars within the organization.