Broadcaster Paul Henry to Run for Act Party in 2026 Election

Broadcaster Paul Henry will run as a candidate for the Act Party in the 2026 election, party leader David Seymour announced in Auckland. Seymour described Henry as someone who "infects rooms with enthusiasm."

The announcement comes less than four months before the November 7 election. The Act Party is currently polling at 7.8%, which would translate to 10 seats in Parliament, a decrease of one seat from its current standing. A recent poll of polls indicates a 69.9% probability of the current National-led coalition returning to power, with Act projected to receive 7% of the vote and 9 seats.

“

He infects rooms with enthusiasm.

Act is currently the least popular party within the governing coalition. In the 2023 election, Act secured 8.64% of the vote and 11 seats, making it the second-largest party in the government. In contrast, NZ First received 6.08% and 8 seats, but has seen its support trend upwards throughout the term, with current projections placing it at 13.8% and 18 seats.

Seymour is currently serving as acting Prime Minister while Christopher Luxon is on leave. The party had alerted media to the announcement on Monday evening, stating it was election-related but not a policy announcement. Earlier on Monday, Act criticized NZ First over one of its MPs traveling to India to promote New Zealand wool, despite NZ First's opposition to a free trade agreement with India that would reduce tariffs on wool.

“

it was “really positive” that a Minister was going overseas to promote the benefits of free trade with India