The recent loss of power by the Generalitat and the emergence of a new central government set the stage for a renewal of leadership within the PSPV-PSOE. The current general secretary, the former head of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, remains a central figure, shaping the party’s direction as a whole. The leadership bloc around Puig, often referred to as the “ximismo,” is not a single family but a coalition of sensibilities. Its influence covers the city of Valencia (with some exceptions) and the Safor region, as well as much of Castellón’s provincial cadre, the party’s administration, and the parliamentary group in the Corts. In short, this cluster dominates the party’s current machinery and its future choices.
Diana Morant
Since 2021, Diana Morant has served as Minister of Science and Innovation, benefiting from steady trust from the national leadership and a broad remit that extends into university affairs. Morant, formerly mayor of Gandia, belongs to the Safor faction that backs the “Ximism.” This positioning fuels speculation about whether she could step into Puig’s shoes should the opportunity arise. While she is the PSPV’s most prominent figure at the central government level, her influence within the party remains largely tied to the Gandia faction, and her potential successor in Gandia is José Manuel Prieto.
Pilar Bernabé
Pilar Bernabé, who has served as government delegate since June 27, 2022, stands as the institutional stronghold of the left against a rising right whenever regional power shifts have occurred. Puig had proposed Bernabé as deputy secretary of the PSPV-PSOE the day after the general election, reinforcing his organizational grip during this transitional phase. Bernabé’s value lies in his versatility and broad familiarity with the party across Valencia, where his connections span multiple socialist streams.
Carlos Fernández Bielsa
Carlos Fernández Bielsa, mayor of Mislata and secretary general of the PSPV in Valencia state, leads a faction pressing for a reorientation of the PSPV leadership after Puig’s loss of the Generalitat and a failed bid to become minister in the new government. Bielsa has already mapped the deputies for the Valencia Provincial Council and maintains influence with the mayors of the Valencia metropolitan area. He counts power players like Darío Moreno in Sagunto, Jordi Mayor in Cullera, Rafa García in Burjassot, and Juan A. Sagredo in Paterna among his allies. His reach also extends to Castellón’s local group, strengthening his bid for influence.
Alejandro Soler
Alejandro Soler, a Congress deputy and PSPV general secretary in Alicante, has consolidated broad support across the Alicante province. His leadership helped steer Toni Francés, the mayor of Alcoi, to the regional candidacy in 2021. Soler has aligned with the “abalism” faction, a coalition he joined in 2017 to back Pedro Sánchez over Susana Díaz. He also joined forces with Bielsa to assert his candidates for the Congress and Senate during 23-J, with Ferraz’s backing, signaling a strategic push to consolidate influence.
José Luis Ábalos
Former Minister of Development or Transport (2018–2021) and the organization secretary of the PSOE from 2017 to 2021, Ábalos has long counted a loyal bloc within the PSPV. After a temporary setback in 2021, the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, helped repair the bridges, and Ábalos remains a key figure in national circles. Today he is listed as a member of the Congress in Madrid. The so-called “Abalistas” are expected to support Soler’s moves in Alicante, where Sánchez’s circle already showed alignment with Soler during the 2017 leadership contests.
José Benlloch
José Benlloch, mayor of Vila-real since 2011, is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the post-Puig leadership landscape within PSPV. His repeated electoral successes have boosted his clout among Castelló’s socialist mayors, arguably exceeding that of Samuel Falomir, the provincial secretary and mayor of l’Alcora. Benlloch has held power alone or in coalition with left-leaning groups since 2011 and also sits as an MP on the Castelló Provincial Council. His shared municipalist stance makes him a potential ally to Bielsa in the bid to lead PSPV, aligning around a metropolitan, locally grounded vision for the party’s future.