FOR the third election in a row, Nationals MP Kevin Anderson has comfortably taken out the seat of Tamworth.
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While some booths, including pre-polling, are yet to be counted, Mr Anderson received 54 per cent of the first preferences, or just shy of 16,000 votes.
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Jeff Bacon came in at second with just over 5000 votes, or 17.08 per cent, with independent Mark Rodda coming third with 4747 votes at 16.16 per cent of the primary.
Labors Stephen Mears polled just under 2500 votes at 8.43 per cent, while The Greens' Robin Gunning and Animal Justice Party's Emma Hall both failed to crack 1000 votes. An "absolutely humbled" Mr Anderson is set to return to power, with the Coalition securing enough seats to form government.
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"I'm so grateful that the Tamworth electorate has chosen me to continue on the work that I've been doing in to the future," Mr Anderson said.
"We went town by town, booth by booth, community by community, person by person.
"We travelled this electorate far and wide, and we just got down to grassroots campaigning
"People have shown faith in what I've done previously and they've trusted me to deliver on what I said I would do, and that's extremely humbling."
Despite the political competition, Mr Anderson won every polling booth in the electorate.
"It didn't worry me if we won by one or 100 votes, all I wanted to do was continue to deliver for the strong plan for the Tamworth electorate," he said.
"I'm really looking forward to getting back to business, back to work straight away and doing the job."
Mr Anderson thanked his supporters, and gave particular mention to his family.
"Family is everything for me," he said.
"Our household is chaotic, but somehow we make it work and it is something I hold very dear to me."
NSW Nationals chairman and Bective egg farmer Bede Burke said the win came down to Mr Anderson's hard work and record of delivery for the electorate.
"He is an example to other MPs about what hard work can achieve for a community," Mr Burke said.
Tamworth mayor Col Murray said the incumbent's win was a good result for the region.
"Kevin has earned his stripes," Cr Murray said.
"I think his return has put the region in a good place.
"Now it's time to keep the sleeves rolled up and get on with the show."
New England Nationals chair and Tamworth councillor Russell Webb said he wasn't surprised by the result.
"Kevin has been working hard for every vote, and has a great record of delivery," Cr Webb said.