Wanguri has generally been a marginal electorate, though like many others in the Territory, it has a tendency to keep its incumbent members, regardless of party. While the Country Liberal Party held it for the first six years after its creation in 1983, the Australian Labor Party have narrowly held it ever since. Henderson was not expected to have much difficulty retaining Wanguri at the 2005 election, and ultimately held the seat with a strong swing in his favour.
