Grégoire Leads Dati in Paris Mayoral Race, Heading to Runoff

Paris – Emmanuel Grégoire, representing a coalition of Socialist, Communist and Green parties, secured the lead in the first round of the Paris mayoral election on March 15, 2026, with 37.5% of the vote, according to estimates from Elabe Berger Levrault for BFM.

First Round Results

Rachida Dati, representing Les Républicains and the Modem party, trailed behind with 24.9% of the vote. The results indicate a runoff between Grégoire and Dati is highly probable. Initial estimates from Elabe Berger-Levrault for BFMTV placed Grégoire at 38.7% and Dati at 24.7%.

Sophia Chikirou of La France Insoumise (LFI) secured third place with 12.1%, followed by Pierre-Yves Bournazel with 11.6%. Sarah Knafo, representing Reconquête, appears unlikely to qualify for the second round, receiving an estimated 9.6% of the vote. BFMTV

Candidates’ Reactions

Grégoire celebrated his strong showing, stating, “The Parisian people have placed us largely in the lead in this first round,” and called for support from “all voters of the republican camp, of the progress camp.” He warned that the right and far-right could win in Paris if mobilization is insufficient in the second round. BFMTV

Dati acknowledged being behind but expressed confidence in her ability to gain support in the second round through vote transfers from other candidates. She emphasized the need for unity and mobilization to achieve victory. She proposed a “union list” to Pierre-Yves Bournazel. BFMTV

Chikirou welcomed the success of La France Insoumise in Paris. BFMTV

Looking Ahead

With the first round concluded, the focus now shifts to the second round, where Grégoire and Dati will compete for the position of mayor of Paris. The outcome remains uncertain, and both candidates are expected to intensify their campaigns in the coming days. Le Figaro