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.
Fraser sought to become the New Democratic Party's nominee for the Nanaimo—Alberni electoral district as the 2004 federal election approached.  He competed against three other individuals for the nomination and ultimately won on the third round of voting using a preferential vote system.