# Gerry Brownlee and Nicola Willis on National's election chances

> National's Gerry Brownlee unsure if he'll return to Parliament after election amid low support.
- Title: Gerry Brownlee and Nicola Willis on National's election…
- Summary: National's Gerry Brownlee unsure if he'll return to Parliament after election amid low support. National's Gerry Brownlee and Nicola Willis say they'll…
- Keywords: gerry brownlee, nicola willis, national party, election 2026, parliament, list mp, party vote, politics, news, Gerry, Brownlee, Nicola
- Source: NZ Herald — https://nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/election-2026-gerry-brownlee-nicola-willis-on-chances-of-returning-to-parliament-amid-low-national-support/KWL4VUNMN5DXTCQ27AAF64JIVQ
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: gerry brownlee, nicola willis, national party, election 2026, parliament, list mp, party vote, politics, news
## National's election chances
National's Gerry Brownlee is unsure whether he will return to Parliament after the coming election.
## Party vote uncertainty
Brownlee said his return depends on the party vote result and how many electorates National wins.
## Polling data
National has been in the high-20s in recent polls, down from 38% in 2023 election.
## List-only candidate
Brownlee is running as a list-only candidate needing a list position to return to Parliament.
## List ranking
He is ranked ninth on the list with fourth place among those needing list positions.
## Competing candidates
Nicola Willis, Chris Bishop, and Paul Goldsmith are ahead of him on the list.
## Current Speaker
Brownlee is the current Speaker of Parliament and initially reluctant to take questions.
## Voter focus
He said voters would focus on their backpocket in this election between government and opposition.
## Economic concerns
Brownlee warned about tax increases and economic impacts of the opposition's policies.
## Vote splitting risks
He warned vote splitting could create a Parliament of 140-150 people making government formation difficult.
## National's strategy
Brownlee said vote splitting is not a smart idea and people should vote for what they want.
## Willis's goal
Willis aims to ensure National is re-elected to Government through party vote.
## Willis's confidence
She said she is confident she will get back in Parliament after the election.
## Goldsmith's campaign
Goldsmith posted a letter urging Epsom voters to give him both electorate and party votes.
## Epsom strategy
National wants to retain both an Act and National MP in Epsom for the next government.
## National's future
Brownlee said he has been in politics for a long time and wants a good result for National.
## Key takeaway

National's Gerry Brownlee and Nicola Willis say they'll return to Parliament if National wins party vote in 2026 election.