Lachlan Slade, who ran for the Greens in last year’s federal election, said two candidates were close to being endorsed for Bendigo East and Bendigo West.

“We’re hoping to make an announcement sometime in the next month,” he said.

“We’ll be putting forward two very quality candidates.

“I’m looking forward to being on the campaign with them.”

Mr Slade, who received 9.3 per cent of the vote in the federal election, said he would not be running.

“I thought it was worth letting some other candidates step up and have a go,” he said.

“We’re in the final steps of choosing the candidates.”

Member for Northern Victoria Damian Drum said the Nationals were looking to run in the seat of Bendigo West.

“The Nationals are having a very serious look at a candidate for Bendigo West, and to a lesser degree, Bendigo East,” he said.

Jacinta Allan has held Bendigo East since 1999 but suffered a swing against her at the 2010 election.

Maree Edwards has held Bendigo West since 2010 after replacing retiring ALP member Bob Cameron.

Greg Bickley and Jack Lyons have been endorsed by the Liberal Party in both seats. 

Nine candidates ran in the Bendigo East seat in 2010, and eight in Bendigo West.