2026 French Senate Elections: Right Retains Majority, National Rally Forms First Group, La France Insoumise Makes Historic Entry

The 2026 French Senate elections, held on September 27, have maintained the political status quo in many ways, but also introduced significant new dynamics within the upper house. The centre-right preserved its majority, while both the far-right and the left recorded historic milestones.

For the first time ever, the far-right Rassemblement national (RN), allied with the Union des démocrates et indépendants (UDR) led by Eric Ciotti, has secured enough senators to form an official parliamentary group in the Senate. This marks a notable breakthrough for RN at the Palais du Luxembourg, reflecting its rising influence seen also during recent municipal elections. At the same time, the centre-left Socialist Party (PS) consolidated its position as the leading left-wing force in the Senate, reaffirming its strong local roots and electoral trust through notable victories in regions such as Doubs, Bas-Rhin, and Hérault. However, the PS pointedly criticized the tacit electoral arrangements between right-wing and far-right factions in some departments and is positioning itself as the principal opponent of the far-right nationally and within the Senate.

On the left, another historic milestone was achieved: La France insoumise (LFI), founded in 2016, elected its very first senator, Gabriel Amard. This breakthrough was celebrated by LFI coordinator Manuel Bompard and founder Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who called the election result “a positive sign for the 2027 presidential election,” declaring, “This evening, LFI enters the Senate!” Despite internal left-wing competition and challenges—such as the defeat of their candidate Martha Peciña by a narrow margin allegedly due to Ecologists’ influence—LFI is optimistic about expanding its Senate presence by 2029, especially in regions where the party has gained strength through recent municipal gains.

Additionally, Marc Péré, elected in Haute-Garonne leading a coalition with LFI participation, will join the LFI parliamentary group, further strengthening their foothold. Overall, the elections illustrated both the resilience of established parties and shifting political currents, with the National Rally’s new Senate group symbolizing a rising far-right presence and La France insoumise marking its arrival on the Senate stage for the first time.