Spain's Regional Elections Heat Up in 2026 Ahead of 2027 General Elections

Spain is gearing up for a series of important regional elections throughout 2026, setting the political stage ahead of the anticipated general elections in 2027. The recent elections in Aragón on February 8 saw over one million voters participate, with the People's Party (PP) under Jorge Azcón securing 26 seats and emerging as the leading force. This election followed political instability similar to that which prompted early elections in Extremadura in late 2025.

The next significant vote will be in Castilla y León on March 15, 2026. Here, Alfonso Fernández Mañueco will attempt to retain his position as PP candidate, while the Socialist Party (PSOE) has introduced Carlos Martínez, mayor of Soria, replacing Luis Tudanca, who was unable to form a government after the 2019 elections. Castilla y León's elections have been regularly scheduled, with the previous held in February 2022.

In Andalucía, elections are expected in June 2026, though no exact date has been officially announced. Current President Juanma Moreno of the PP, who achieved a historic 43% vote share and 58 seats in 2022, will run again. The PSOE will be represented by María Jesús Montero, the first vice president and finance minister, succeeding Senator Juan Espadas.

Significantly, Vox has increased its support in Aragón’s larger municipalities, gaining between 10% and 14%, indicating shifting political dynamics.

Looking ahead, the XV Legislature which began in July 2023 is scheduled to conclude in summer 2027. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has until July 2027 to dissolve the Cortes, which could trigger general elections as early as September or October 2027. If the legislature runs its full term, elections might be held in November 2027, though the date is not yet official. The year 2026 is critical for the stability of Spain’s coalition government, especially after recent regional election results that indicate a potential tilt toward the right in parts of the country.

Certain autonomous communities, including Catalonia, the Basque Country, Galicia, Andalucía, and Castilla y León, maintain their own electoral calendars separate from the general regional timeline. However, most regions will follow this busy 2026 election schedule that will no doubt influence the political landscape going into the general elections next year.