Montpellier: Which candidate is ahead of the others in the latest municipal election poll?

In Montpellier, the race for the 2026 municipal elections is taking an interesting turn with the latest poll showing a significant lead for the current mayor, Michaël Delafosse. Starting as one of the favorites, Delafosse seems to be winning over a majority of voters, thus consolidating his position thanks to his strategic alliances. While the political scene is seeing few significant changes on the left, the right is marked by internal division. Let’s examine in detail the dynamics and key figures of this highly anticipated election.

Michaël Delafosse: A Comfortable Lead

It seems that nothing can stop the meteoric rise of Michaël Delafosse,president of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole and current mayor of the city. With the support of the Place Publique movement, the Communist Party, and the PRG (Radical Party of the Left), Delafosse is credited with 38% of voting intentions according to a recent Harris Interactive survey. This represents a significant increase compared to the 2020 municipal elections, where he garnered 16.66% in the first round before winning in the second.

Left-wing political scene

The left-wing political landscape hasn’t changed much since the last municipal elections. However, billionaire Mohed Altrad, a former candidate supported by La France Insoumise (LFI), and comedian Rémi Gaillard, is making another entry into the race with only 6% of the vote. Meanwhile, LFI MP Nathalie Oziol and former mayor Philippe Saurel are receiving 16% and 11% of the support, respectively. Other candidates, such as Jean-Louis Roumégas, supported by Les Écologistes, L’Après, Génération.s, and the Assemblée des Quartiers Populaires (Assembly of Popular Neighborhoods), are struggling to gain traction, with only 7% of the vote. Read more about Mohed Altrad’s candidacy

A divided right wing

On the right, unity is sorely lacking, and this is reflected in voting intentions.

France Jamet

The National Rally (RN) hopes to break through with 11% of the vote to reach the second round. Meanwhile, Isabelle Perrein, representing the UDI, LR, and MoDem parties, is struggling to gain traction with only 6% support. This internal division could benefit Delafosse, reinforcing his solid lead against a fragmented opposition. Isabelle Perrein, for her part, is presenting her ambitious plan for Montpellier in a complex context.

Click here for more details on her platform.

The stakes of the tramway extension

Michaël Delafosse is considering ambitious projects such as extending the tramway to the sea, beyond the metropolitan area’s borders, making it a flagship project of his term. This proposal could appeal to many voters, aiming to modernize and enhance the city’s attractiveness.

Learn more

about this ambitious project.

Debates and Issues for 2026