The Valencian elections next year will center on the contest between Generalitat president Ximo Puig and the regional PP leader Carlos Mazón, as both vie for control of the regional government. Several certainties shape the political headlines already. In the Valencian Parliament, the PSPV-PSOE coalition remains a central force, while Compromís and Podemos test the left spectrum alongside the traditional parties Ciudadanos and Vox, with the far right potentially shaping the race. The Botànic moment appears to be passing, but its legacy still stirs the campaigns.
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Starting with Puig partners, the main factor to watch is the judiciary matter surrounding Mónica Oltra, who stepped down as vice president and minister of Equality in late June. The door remains open for a possible return, as regulations left space for reentry after the listing process concluded, even as the region negotiates how to align such a move with party rules.
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Lead actor
Oltra’s return hinges on judicial outcomes. At the same time, Compromís continues to push for headline status, a trajectory that began with an advantage. Joan Baldoví, backed by the nationalist wing of the coalition, has intensified his Valencian Community agenda, leveraging broad public recognition. Observers note his visibility often surpasses Mazón, giving the coalition a perceived edge.
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Within Compromís, Baldoví represents the party’s stronger vote pull. The Crevillente-born figure faced the challenge of Oltra’s departure and the Botànic crisis, focusing on his duties and broader trust-building to reinforce a bid to govern again in the Generalitat. His Valencia Forum appearance underscored a strategy to work closely with the PSPV in pursuit of continued leadership.
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Another potential Compromís candidate is Vicente Marza, though Oltra’s potential comeback could shift the lineup. The Castellón native left the Ministry of Education last May to strengthen Compromís’ bid to secure a larger stake in Botànic governance, signaling a reshaped internal candidacy landscape.
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On the Podemos side, questions linger about who will lead the left coalition into the Generalitat race. The Podemos-Unida formula remains under review as the party weighs whether to align with Sumar or pursue a separate path. The trajectory of Yolanda Díaz’s project continues to influence decisions, with Sumar’s timing presenting additional challenges.
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The Mors group confirmed its primary calendar, set from October 10 to November 4. While no candidate has been named yet, attention centers on the current Podemos leadership in the Generalitat and the potential for allied moves with Cortes figures. On the U.S. front, leadership is described as shifting toward a different corporate profile, with Rose Perez Garijo cited as a notable figure.
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In Alicante, Podemos and Compromís could coordinate in the next year’s election, with discussion toward a left-of-PSPV consolidation. The aim is a permanent dialogue table that could also involve Esquerra Unida and Esquerra Republica del País Valencià, creating a broader, regional left platform.
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Further south, in Elche, Esther Díez remains the most visible local figure, signaling reluctance to a fixed slate and supporting the execution of the primary process. Marian Campello, the newly appointed Regional Innovation Secretary, could lead the Valencians in Elche, while Podemos and EU navigate a history of separate candidacies that last surfaced in 2019.
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Turning to the liberal camp, internal upheaval marks the trajectory. The party plans a strategic October meeting across Alicante, Valencia, and Castellón to refresh its structure and aims to prevent further erosion of support. The goal is to regroup and reestablish a credible path forward.
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With primaries still without a fixed date, the Liberal side has floated several names for the next electoral cycle. Fernando Giner is expected to seek a third term as Valencia mayor, while resignations continue to shape perception of the party. Ruth Merino and Maria Muñoz are seen as strong candidates in Cortes, with internal debates shaping their paths toward potential alliances and approvals from party leadership.
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Pools
Ahead of the final lists, other potential candidates are in play. Joseph Michael Savel, a former government sub-delegate in Alicante, is among options considered for a slate that also includes Theresa Ortiz and Mamen Peris. In Castellón, the regional party apparatus backs Eduardo del Pozo, though this path may be unlikely, with Del Pozo likely steering the city’s mayoralty instead.
Lead row includes Aitana Mas, who is seen as a strong contender in the Botànic alignment, though her stance could adjust as the stage evolves.
Vox remains a wildcard with a leadership line closely guided from Madrid. The party is watching potential candidates like Jose Maria Llanos and David Garcia, a popular regional deputy seen by many as pivotal to any shift in government. Garcia’s ascent would reflect Vox’s strategic focus on key provinces where polls show growing appeal.
Beyond Garcia, Vox is weighing other names such as a Valencia deputy in Congress and a Castellón-based trustee, with Main Vega and others among the considered options. A strong national profile may still be used to anchor the regional push, but the party is cautious after weaker recent performances elsewhere.
Cs faces its own internal friction, with two camps near and far from the PP. In Alicante and Elche, name draw includes Savel and Fernando Llopis, while Ruth Merino and Maria Muñoz are watched for Cortes roles. The party faces a delicate balance between continuity and renewal as the campaign unfolds.