Liberal MP James Stevens admits he’s in the fight of his political life to hold Sturt for a third term.

In a politically charged environment, Liberal MP James Stevens acknowledges the challenges he faces as he attempts to secure a third term in the marginal seat of Sturt. With a mere half-percent margin separating him from defeat in the last election, the stakes have never been higher. The upcoming contest is set against a backdrop of vigorously organized campaigns led by Labor’s Claire Clutterham and the Greens’ Katie McCusker, both of whom have pooled substantial resources to challenge Stevens. Additionally, the entry of teal independent candidate Verity Cooper complicates the dynamics further, potentially drawing votes away from traditional party lines. The complexities of the South Australian electoral landscape become more evident when looking at the Boothby seat, currently held by Labor's Louise Miller-Frost, who is contesting against former Liberal member Nicolle Flint in her bid to reclaim a parliamentary seat after leaving politics in the 2022 election. This adds another layer of competition to an election cycle that is already unpredictable. Adding to the intrigue, the races for the Senate seats are anticipated to be competitive, reflecting broader trends where one-term governments are an infrequent phenomenon in Australian politics. Historical data suggests that while changes can occur rapidly at both the national and state levels, this election might mark a significant turning point with a new MP assuredly being elected in the vast Grey seat due to Rowan Ramsey's retirement. As Australians prepare to head to the polls on May 3, the ABC promises to deliver comprehensive coverage of the election. Viewers and listeners can expect expert analysis from notable figures such as David Speers and Sarah Ferguson during the live broadcast, alongside insights from seasoned political analysts like Annabel Crabb and Laura Tingle. Additionally, Antony Green is set to retire after decades of providing election data, which adds an emotional element to the accurate forecasting of votes. This election cycle also marks a pivotal moment as Australians are encouraged to participate in what could be a consequential electoral decision point for the future of their government.