Labor Senator Penny Wong has unequivocally endorsed David Smith's rival Katy Gallagher one day before the former union official will be sworn into the Senate.
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Senator Wong will flank Mr Smith when he walks into the upper house to become the ACT's newest senator on Monday morning.
But on the ABC's Insiders program on Sunday morning, Senator Wong told presenter Annabel Crabb senior figures within the party, including leader Bill Shorten, wanted Ms Gallagher to return to the Senate.
"Obviously a big day tomorrow for David Smith, being sworn into the Senate. That is a big occasion for him and his family," Senator Wong said.
"In terms of preselection for the next election, Bill Shorten has made clear, I have made clear, as have other senior leaders and senior members of the Labor Party both at the territory level and federally, that we want Katy back in the Senate.
"She is a very important part of our Senate leadership team. As Senate leader, I want her back and I know Bill and others do as well."
However Mr Smith said there was "nothing on the public record" to indicate Mr Shorten did not want him in the Senate.
"Ultimately it's up to the party members to make that decision," he said.
Former right faction convenor Mr Smith was second on the ticket when Ms Gallagher was elected to the Senate in 2016.
Ms Gallagher, who is from the left faction, first entered the Senate to fill a casual vacancy in 2015, but the High Court found she was still a British citizen when she nominated, rendering her ineligible to serve in parliament.
After weeks of speculation, Ms Gallagher revealed she would try and seek pre-selection to run again in the Senate next federal election.
The announcement was welcomed by senior figures in the party, including ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr who said her decision was "what's best for the ACT Labor Party".
At the time, Senator Wong said: "Katy is, quite simply, too good to lose".
However Mr Smith said he had no plans to stand aside, and would also vie for pre-selection, setting the scene for a showdown between the former running mates and their factional allies.
It comes as the decision of another Labor right member to put his hand up for the lower house seat of Canberra also ruffles feathers.
Long-time Labor Party member and lobbyist for the greyhound industry Kel Watt announced he would run for pre-selection minutes after Ms Gallagher said she seek to return to the Senate.
Mr Watt and Mr Smith were among those who rallied outside the ACT Legislative Assembly last year calling for a ban on greyhound racing in Canberra to be scrapped.
However if Mr Smith loses pre-selection to Ms Gallagher, he could take on Mr Watt for pre-selection for a spot in the House of Representatives.
