Key Front-Runners Emerge in First Round of 2026 French Municipal Elections

The first round of the 2026 municipal elections in major French cities has produced notable political dynamics, highlighting close races and shifting allegiances.

In Nîmes, traditionally held by Les Républicains (LR) since 2001, the party risks losing its grip. Franck Proust, outgoing mayor Jean-Paul Fournier’s deputy, finished third with 19.54%, trailing Julien Sanchez of the National Rally (RN) at 30.26% and Vincent Bouget leading a united left list with 29.9%. To prevent the city from falling under RN or Communist control, there are discussions about an alliance between the right and center despite campaign challenges.

In Nantes, incumbent Socialist mayor Johanna Rolland leads with 35%, closely followed by LR candidate Foulques Chombart de Lauwe at 33.1%. The La France Insoumise (LFI) list earned 12%, ensuring a three-way contest in the next round.

At Le Havre, outgoing mayor and former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe maintains a strong position with 43.71%, nearly matching his 2020 performance. He is ahead of Communist candidate Jean-Paul Lecoq, who obtained 32.96%, and Franck Keller of UDR, supported by RN, with 15.20%. The upcoming second round will feature a triangular race, unlike in 2020.

In Perpignan, Louis Aliot, vice-president of RN, appears re-elected in the first round with 51.4%, marking a significant improvement from 2020.

Additionally, in Biarritz, former rugby player Serge Blanco is leading ahead of the outgoing LR mayor Maider Arosteguy according to recent polls, amid broader discussions on candidate diversity raised by journalist Rokhaya Diallo.

These results reflect evolving political trends and the challenge for traditional parties amid rising support for RN and left-wing alliances in key French municipalities this election cycle.