Retired Liberal Gilmore MP has snubbed her party's choice of candidate and instead backed a Nationals candidate Katrina Hodgkinson.
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Former federal members for Gilmore John Sharp, Liberal Jo Gash and Ann Sudamalis officially endorsed Ms Hodgkinson who is a former state minister.
Ms Sudmalis decided to not contest her marginal seat and retire blaming "bullying" branch stackers in her electorate.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison handpicked Warren Mundine as Liberal candidate despite him being a former ALP national president and lives on Sydney's north shore.
Ms Gash said Ms Hodgkinson was "hands down" one of best local members the area had.
"I am thrilled for the people of Gilmore that she wants to represent the community in the next federal Parliament," she said.
Former minister in the Howard Government, John Sharp praised the Nationals candidate's 20 years of experience fighting for people in the state parliament.
"Katrina is a thoughtful and highly competent candidate who has a proud track record for standing up for her community even on the most difficult of issues," Mr Sharp said.
"I am proud to give Katrina my support and I am confident she will do an outstanding job representing the people of Gilmore in the next federal parliament."
Ms Hodgkinson is the former state Minister for Primary Industries and Small Business and has represented communities in southern NSW for more than 18 years.
The race to federal Parliament is between Ms Hodgkinson, Mr Mundine, Labor candidate Fiona Phillips, Independent Grant Schultz, Greens candidate Carmel McCallum and United Australia's Multon Leslight.
Ms Sudmalis has been contacted for comment.
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