KALAMUNDA Liberal candidate Adam Hort won the seat of Kalamunda, leading by 82 votes against Labor candidate Karen Beale following a recount.

The result in Kalamunda has been one of the most tightly contested in the 2025 state election.

The seat had previously been held by retiring Labor MLA Matthew Hughes, who Mr Hort thanked for his service to the community.

“I want to take a moment to thank the retiring member for Kalamunda, Matthew Hughes,” he said.

“Matthew has served our community for eight years.

“He was first elected in 2017 with a significant swing of 12.7 per cent and has given two full terms to the people of the Perth Hills.

“Thank you, Matthew, for your service.”

With the margin between the two candidates too close to call on election night, the outcome remained uncertain for days.

The final count took place on March 23, with the electoral commission preparing for the possibility of a recount.

Mr Hort said this outcome was likely and that it was disappointing for hills residents that counting in other districts was prioritised before the result in Kalamunda could be finalised.

“The disappointing part for the Perth Hills is that 27 seats have been prioritised for a detailed count before Kalamunda,” he said.

“Most of these already have a clear outcome.”

After the recount confirmed his victory, Mr Hort said he looked forward to proving the hills constituents were his number one priority in the next four years.

“I will never take this position for
granted,” he said.

“It is truly the honour of my life to represent the place I grew up in and
call home.

“Thank you to the many community members who took the time to share what matters most.

“Your voices shaped this campaign, and they will shape my work as your parliamentarian.

“Now, the real work begins.”

Commitments announced during Mr Hort’s campaign include $1 million to build a new station for the Parkerville volunteer bushfire brigade, $500,000 to build new change rooms and decontamination room at Darlington volunteer bushfire brigade and $20m to bring more courts to Ray Owen Sports Centre.