Mr McCormack went into the election not only as the incumbent, but the leader of the Nationals and deputy prime minister of Australia.

It was also one of the smallest fields for the seat this century, with just four candidates running: Mr McCormack for the Nationals, Michael Bayles for the Greens, Mark Jeffreson for Labor and Richard Foley for United Australia Party.

Mr McCormack emerged from the campaign victorious and is likely to have collected just shy of 70 per cent of the first preference votes (two party-preferred), according to the Australian Electoral Commission. With a positive swing of more than three per cent, what is considered one of the nation's safest seats is now even safer.

Mr McCormack held off on declaring victory until 9.30pm, but then it was on.

"It has been a very, very good night locally and potentially it is going to be a very, very, very good night nationally," he proclaimed in front of his family, friends and supporters gathered at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club on Saturday night.

In thanking his fellow candidates - some of whom had passed on their congratulations well before he declared - Mr McCormack reflected on a calm campaign.

"They ran a respectful campaign, they ran a solid campaign and they put their hands up for public office and it takes a bit courage to take part in the democratic process and I wish them well," he said.

Mr McCormack was careful not to declare a national victory for the Coalition during his victory speech, but he need not have worried.

"I do hope that Scott Morrison can continue to be the prime minister of this country," he outlined.

"He could be, and will be, one of the great modern day prime ministers, if we get enough seats. He has done an amazing job this campaign, he has been faultless."

But it wasn't long after that what was looking like a Labor win reversed spectacularly into what has been lauded as a come-from-behind win for the Coalition.

Former prime minister John Howard said Labor's downfall was the result of a focus on class warfare and "climate ideology".

"I believe very strongly that (federal Labor leader) Bill Shorten overplayed his hand on the class warfare stuff," Mr Howard told ABC TV on Saturday night.

"Australians believe in egalitarianism. They reject the politics of class division and all this stuff about the big end of town and the envy-driven politics of the Labor Party."

Riverina's neighbouring electorate of Farrer also looks to be maintaining the status quo, with the Liberal Party's Sussan Ley stopping just short of declaring victory in a hotly-contested seat on Saturday night.

The Farrer member since 2001 comfortably brushed off a challenge from independent Kevin Mack with a dominant showing across Albury, with resounding wins in most city booths and strong showings in the regional areas.

On a two candidate preferred basis, last night Ms Ley was leading 60.70 per cent to 39.30 per cent.

Postal and prepoll votes are still to be counted.

Bookmark The Daily Advertiser for the latest in commentary and analysis. In the meantime, here's how election day panned out.