Montpellier Mayoral Race: Delafosse Leads, But Competition Heats Up
Incumbent Michael Delafosse currently leads the race for mayor of Montpellier, according to a recent OpinionWay poll. However, the path to re-election isn’t guaranteed, with several candidates vying for a spot in the second round on March 15th.
Delafosse’s Position and Potential Challenges
Delafosse currently holds 32% of the intended vote, positioning him as the frontrunner. He benefits from the support of the Socialist Party, Place Publique, and the Communist Party. Despite this backing, a fragmented left-wing vote could complicate his path to victory.
The Battle for Second Place
The competition for the second spot in the runoff election is fierce. Nathalie Oziol, representing La France Insoumise (LFI), and Mohed Altrad, president of Montpellier Hérault Rugby, are both polling at 15%. Rémi Gaillard, a late entrant into the race, currently has 7% of the intended vote. Former mayor Philippe Saurel lags behind with 9%, potentially missing out on the second round.
A Divided Political Landscape
Montpellier’s political scene is highly fragmented. Eleven candidates are running in the first round, reflecting a diverse range of ideologies. On the right, the Rassemblement National candidate and UDR France Jamet are facing competition from dissident Thierry Tsagalos, polling at 6% and 2% respectively. This division could inadvertently benefit Delafosse.
Second-Round Scenarios
OpinionWay’s modeling suggests Delafosse would win a second-round matchup against both Mohed Altrad (45% to 33%) and Nathalie Oziol (45% to 22%). These projections highlight the importance of consolidating support and mobilizing voters in the coming weeks.
Did you realize?
The OpinionWay poll was conducted between February 13th and 19th, 2026, surveying 808 registered voters in Montpellier from a sample of 1315 people.
FAQ
Who is currently leading the Montpellier mayoral race?
Michael Delafosse is currently leading with 32% of the intended vote.
Who are the main contenders challenging Delafosse?
Nathalie Oziol and Mohed Altrad are the main contenders, both polling at 15%.
How many candidates are running in the first round?
Notice 11 candidates running in the first round.
What is the date of the first round of the election?
The first round of the election is on March 15th.
Pro Tip: Voter turnout is often a key factor in local elections. Candidates with strong grassroots organizations and effective get-out-the-vote campaigns often perform better than expected.
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