Sitting independent MLC Tania Rattray was the sole nominee for the election in Apsley, which she had held since 2004.

Martin was facing court on charges of child sex offences, and was not recontesting the election.

A frontrunner emerged in Adriana Taylor, Glenorchy Mayor and Labor Party member, although in common with the prevalence of independents in the Legislative Council, Taylor did not seek party endorsement.

There were suggestions that Lisa Singh, defeated Labor MHA and former government minister, or Andrew Wilkie might run, but these came to nothing.

The Labor Party did endorse a candidate, Health and Community Services Union official Tim Jacobson.