Paris Mayoral Race Tightens as Dati and Grégoire Clash in Final Push

With just days remaining before the first round of Paris’s municipal elections, the race between candidates Rachida Dati and Emmanuel Grégoire has intensified, marked by direct confrontations and appeals for voter unity. Both candidates held significant rallies on Thursday, March 12, 2026, outlining their visions for the city and attempting to sway undecided voters.

Dati Calls for Unity Against the “Radical Left”

Rachida Dati, backed by Les Républicains (LR) and the MoDem party, addressed her supporters at the Élysée Montmartre performance hall in the 18th arrondissement. Acknowledging a potentially close outcome, Dati urged Parisians to unite against what she termed a “radical left” that she believes is detrimental to the city’s values. She emphasized the importance of a strong showing in the first round, stating, “We won, but we haven’t won yet!”

Dati specifically called for “the union of all Parisians who desire to put an end to this radical left which is destroying our city and our values,” according to reports. Le Figaro.

Grégoire Warns Against a Right-Wing Alliance

Simultaneously, Emmanuel Grégoire, representing the united left outside of La France Insoumise (LFI), rallied approximately 3,000 supporters at the Cirque d’Hiver. Grégoire cautioned against a potential alliance between the right and the far-right, accusing his opponents of seeking to gain control of Paris as a stepping stone to the 2027 presidential election. He asserted that Paris would “resist” any such attempt.

Grégoire stated that the right-wing strategy aimed to conquer the capital in preparation for the 2027 presidential election, adding, “Due to the fact that she thinks that if the capital falls, the country will fall with it, in 2027. But Paris will not fall, Paris will resist.” Yahoo News France.

Current Polling Data

Recent polling data indicates a competitive race. As of March 3, 2026, Ipsos polling showed Emmanuel Grégoire leading with 35% of the vote, followed by Rachida Dati at 27%. Ipsos. Other candidates, including Pierre-Yves Bournazel and Sarah Knafo, trail behind with 11.5% each, while Sophia Chikirou holds 10% of the vote.

Key Issues for Parisian Voters

Security, cleanliness, and housing have emerged as the top priorities for Parisian voters. Concerns vary among different voter groups, with those supporting Sophia Chikirou prioritizing social welfare, housing, and the environment, while Grégoire’s supporters focus on the environment, housing, and security. Dati and Bournazel’s supporters are particularly concerned with cleanliness and security. Ipsos.

Other Cities See Competitive Races

Beyond Paris, other major French cities are also witnessing closely contested municipal elections. In Marseille, the incumbent Benoît Payan (Socialist) and Franck Allisio (Rassemblement National) are neck and neck in the polls, with 35% and 32% respectively. In Nice, Éric Ciotti (Union des droites pour la République) leads with 45% of the vote, significantly ahead of the current mayor, Christian Estrosi, at 27%. Le Figaro.