Spain's 2026 Regional Elections Scheduled Amid Political Shifts and Early Calls

Spain is gearing up for a series of key regional elections in 2026 with several autonomous communities set to head to the polls amid evolving political landscapes. Extremadura's elections are imminent, with 65 seats contested following early calls triggered by budget approval failures and growing discontent with the ruling PSOE due to corruption and harassment allegations. María Guardiola's early election call in Aragón has led to elections scheduled for February 8, 2026, with a campaign running from January 23 to February 6 and postal voting already open to overseas Spaniards since mid-December. Castilla y León's regional elections are planned for March 15, 2026; however, this date could shift if national elections are advanced. The region’s 2022 elections saw the PP secure 31.4% of the vote, and polls indicate potential gains in the upcoming vote. Andalucía is expected to hold elections around June 2026, coinciding with the previous vote timeline, with Juanma Moreno poised as a leading candidate for re-election. Amidst these regional contests, political figures like Aitor Esteban of the PNV anticipate a national electoral event either before or after summer 2026. The PSOE’s troubles in Extremadura have sparked speculation of an early general election, a scenario compounded by growing instability highlighted by the rise of Vox from five to eleven seats. This electoral calendar sets the stage for a dynamic and closely watched political year in Spain.