Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi has emerged as a leading contender to replace Larissa Waters following the latter's resignation due to kidney disease. Faruqi commands strong support from the party's activist base, particularly those advocating for a more confrontational stance towards Labor and greater emphasis on social justice and Palestinian rights. The race reflects deepening divisions within the party between incrementalists willing to negotiate policy wins and activists sceptical of compromises, with the leadership outcome likely to determine the Greens' strategic direction going forward.

Several candidates are being considered, though Faruqi appears to be the grassroots favourite. Sarah Hanson-Young faces activist opposition partly owing to her husband's connections as a political lobbyist, whilst David Shoebridge is also regarded as a potential strong contender, particularly if party members seek a unifying leader. The leadership race comes at a challenging time for the party, which lost three of its four lower house seats in 2025, including Melbourne, its former stronghold, and is currently riven by internal disputes over climate policy and carbon offsets.