As the 2004 federal election approached, Fraser expressed interest in becoming the New Democratic Party nominee for the riding of Nanaimo—Alberni. For the nomination, Fraser faced three other candidates but won on the third ballot of the preferential vote.
In the 2004 federal election, Fraser expressed interest in becoming the New Democratic Party's candidate for the Nanaimo—Alberni riding. He faced competition from three other candidates but ultimately secured the nomination on the third ballot of a preferential voting system.