In the House of Commons of Canada, Nanaimo is represented by Sheila Malcolmson of the New Democratic Party, representing the riding of Nanaimo-Ladysmith.
In the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Nanaimo is represented by the ridings of Nanaimo (Leonard Krog, British Columbia New Democratic Party), Nanaimo-North Cowichan (Doug Routley, British Columbia New Democratic Party), and Nanaimo-Parksville (Michelle Stilwell, British Columbia Liberal Party) .