Antoine Valentin Triumphs Over LR Candidate in Haute-Savoie's 2026 By-Election

On February 1, 2026, Antoine Valentin, mayor of Saint-Jeoire and candidate for the Union des droites pour la République (UDR), was elected deputy for Haute-Savoie's third constituency, decisively defeating Les Républicains (LR) candidate Christophe Fournier. Valentin secured a commanding 59.1% of the vote in the second round, while Fournier trailed with 40.9%, amidst a modest voter turnout of 34.1%. This result represents a significant blow to the traditional right-wing party LR, which lost this historically conservative stronghold despite robust leadership support.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Christelle Petex, the former LR deputy, who stepped down in November 2025 citing political fatigue. Previously, Valentin had faced a coalition of opponents in 2024 that led to Petex's re-election, but this time, backed by the National Rally (RN), Valentin managed to consolidate support, especially after establishing a substantial 30-point lead in the first round.

Valentin's victory is emblematic of shifting political dynamics within the region, marking a defeat for Eric Ciotti’s party establishment. The outcome highlights growing challenges for LR in key right-wing constituencies as alternative right-wing forces gain ground.

As the new deputy, Valentin will represent a constituency that has traditionally leaned conservative but now appears receptive to the more hardline positions endorsed by the UDR and RN alliance. The low voter participation underscores potential voter disengagement or dissatisfaction with traditional parties.

This election outcome sets the stage for further political realignments in Haute-Savoie and signals possible challenges for LR as it strategizes for upcoming elections nationwide.