Komolafe, Dames, Johnson, Fox, Henfield among FNM candidates

The Free National Movement (FNM) ratified nearly 20 candidates tonight as it officially kicked off its campaign for the 2026 general election, unveiling a slate that includes a mix of political veterans, newcomers, and high-profile returnees.

Among the most notable additions is former Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Arinthia Komolafe, who will carry the FNM’s banner in Carmichael.

Also featured in the first round of ratifications are several former FNM Members of Parliament and cabinet ministers, including Marvin Dames, who will return to the political arena in Mount Moriah, and Elsworth Johnson, tapped to contest Yamacraw. Johnson previously served as Minister of Financial Services and Immigration, while Dames held the National Security portfolio.

Other ratified candidates include:

Darren Henfield for South Beach

Philippa Kelly in Central and South Eleuthera

Brian Brown in Golden Isles

Dr. Nicholas Fox, a prominent physician, in Fox Hill

Adrian White, the incumbent MP, will defend St. Anne’s

Michael Foulkes, a former MP, will once again vie for Golden Gates

Dr. Jacqueline Penn-Knowles is running in Marathon

Rickey Mackey, another former MP, will contest North Eleuthera

Omar Isaacs for West Grand Bahama and Bimini

FNM Leader Michael Pintard hailed the group as a "strong, diverse”, and capable slate of individuals who are ready to bring effective leadership and fresh solutions to the people.

The party, which suffered a decisive defeat in the 2021 general election after then-Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis called a snap election amid the COVID-19 pandemic, appears intent on rebuilding public trust with a new generation of leadership and renewed messaging.

Notably absent from the ratified list is Dr. Minnis himself, the sitting MP for Killarney. In a surprising political twist, Pintard—who succeeded Minnis as FNM leader—denied him a party nomination, effectively shutting the former prime minister out of the FNM’s 2026 campaign.

The move underscores ongoing internal rifts and a clear attempt by the current leadership to chart a different path forward.

The full list of ratified candidates is expected to be released in phases over the coming months. With the general election still more than a year away, Thursday’s ratifications mark the FNM's first major move this campaign season.