The 2026 Paris municipal election is scheduled to take place in March 2026 to elect the Mayor of Paris and the Council of Paris. This election follows the two-term tenure of Anne Hidalgo, the first woman to serve as mayor of Paris, who announced in November 2024 that she would not seek a third term. The election is expected to be highly competitive, with multiple candidates from across the political spectrum already declaring or preparing their candidacies.
Anne Hidalgo, a member of the Socialist Party (PS), was first elected mayor in 2014 and re-elected in 2020, serving during a period marked by significant events including the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2024 Summer Olympics hosted by the city. Hidalgo focused her administration on urban transformation projects such as the "15-minute city" concept and expanding social housing. Despite some controversies and a decline in popularity, she remained a central figure in Paris politics until her decision not to run again in 2026, endorsing Senator Rémi Féraud as her preferred successor.[1][2]
Primary elections
Socialist Party
In June 2025, the Socialist Party held its primary election to decide their candidate for the mayoralty.[3]
The potential candidates were as follows:
Rémi Féraud: The senator and president of the Paris en Commun group on the Paris Council, former mayor of the 10th arrondissement, and a long-time Hidalgo loyalist, Féraud has officially declared his candidacy and received Hidalgo's endorsement. He aims to unite the left, excluding the radical left party La France Insoumise (LFI).[1][4]
Emmanuel Grégoire: Former first deputy mayor under Hidalgo, Grégoire left City Hall to join the National Assembly but announced in November 2024 his intention to run for mayor, positioning himself as a candidate for renewal within the Socialist camp. He has garnered support from a significant number of Socialists in Paris.[4]
The primary resulted in Grégoire winning on the first round, with over 52% of the vote of the 1,534 members who took part.[3]
Candidates
Declared
Pierre-Yves Bournazel: Co-chairman of the right-wing Union Capitale group and MP for Paris's 18th constituency, Bournazel has declared his candidacy, aiming to challenge the polarized political climate between Hidalgo and Dati. He has received support from former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe.[4]
Rachida Dati: The French Culture Minister and mayor of Paris's 7th arrondissement, Dati announced her candidacy for mayor in January 2024. Formerly a member of the conservative Les Républicains (LR) party, she joined President Emmanuel Macron’s government and leads the "Change Paris" parliamentary group. Dati aims to unite those seeking change in Paris and is considered the main right-wing challenger to the Socialist candidates. She has expressed support for reforming the electoral system in Paris to allow direct election of the mayor by universal suffrage.[6][4][7][8]
Ian Brossat: A Communist Party member and former housing chief under Hidalgo, Brossat has declared his availability to run and participate in a potential left-wing primary if Hidalgo does not run. Known for expanding social housing in Paris, Brossat represents the more left-wing faction of the coalition.[9][4]
The Greens (EELV): No official candidate has been declared yet, but figures such as Senator Yannick Jadot and Deputy Mayor David Belliard are considered potential contenders. The party has ruled out an independent candidacy, indicating a preference for coalition-building within the left.[4]
La France Insoumise (LFI): No candidate has been confirmed yet. Speculation exists about MP Sophia Chikirou running, but this remains uncertain.[4]
Gabriel Attal: Former Prime Minister and member of Macron’s centrist coalition, Attal is mentioned as a possible candidate but has not confirmed his intentions.[4]
Francis Szpiner: President of the third right-wing group in Paris City Hall, Szpiner is considering running.[4]
Maud Gatel: Leader of the MoDem group, part of Macron’s coalition, Gatel advocates for a centrist coalition to regain control of Paris from the left.[4]
Thierry Mariani: MEP for the Rassemblement National, Mariani intends to seek his party’s nomination and run for mayor, although the far right is considered unlikely to win in Paris.[4]
Electoral system and context
The 2026 election will be influenced by ongoing discussions about electoral reform in Paris.[10]President Macron has proposed that mayors in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille be elected by direct universal suffrage rather than by an electoral college of city councilors, a system currently viewed as "anti-democratic" by some candidates including Rachida Dati.[7]
The election is set against a backdrop of political realignment, with Hidalgo’s departure opening the field for new leadership and competition between the left-wing coalition, Macron’s centrist camp, and the traditional right.[11] Cultural and heritage issues are expected to be prominent in the campaign, especially given the recent appointment of Dati as Culture Minister and her potential veto power over city projects.[12]
Campaign developments
As of late 2024, the campaign is already active with multiple candidates announcing or preparing bids. Hidalgo’s endorsement of Féraud is seen as an attempt to maintain Socialist control, while Grégoire’s challenge indicates internal competition on the left. Dati’s candidacy is marked by her recent cabinet role and her ambition to unite the right and center-right voters. Other candidates from the Communist Party, Greens, and centrist parties are positioning themselves in a fragmented political landscape.[4]
Anne Hidalgo has stated she will remain mayor until the end of her term in 2026 and continue her political involvement thereafter, supporting a smooth transition to her successor.[13]
Timeline
November 2024: Anne Hidalgo announces she will not seek re-election and endorses Rémi Féraud.[1]
January 2024: Rachida Dati declares her candidacy.[6]
First quarter 2025: Presidential camp (Renaissance) expected to announce their candidate.[4]
Housing and Social Diversity: Expansion of social housing and efforts to counteract gentrification remain central, especially for left-wing candidates.[9]
Urban Mobility and Environment: Policies to reduce car traffic, increase cycling infrastructure, and expand green spaces continue to be key issues.[13]
Public Safety and Cleanliness: Ongoing concerns in some districts, particularly in northern Paris.[1]
Electoral Reform: Debate over direct election of the mayor versus the current council-based system.[6]
Coalition Building: The potential for left-wing unity or fragmentation, and the possibility of a centrist or right-wing coalition to challenge the left’s dominance.[6][1]
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