Socialists Lead Paris Election Ahead of Runoff With Center Right

Emmanuel Gregoire speaks following the results of the first round of France’s 2026 municipal elections in Paris on March 15.Photographer: Bertrand Guay/AFP/Getty Images

Socialist candidate Emmanuel Gregoire topped the first round of the Paris mayoral election Sunday as the left seeks to extend its quarter-century rule over the French capital.

Gregoire won about 38% of the vote, according to interior ministry results, setting up a high-stakes runoff on March 22.