Édouard Philippe, the former Prime Minister of France, is projected to face a challenging election for the mayoral position in Le Havre, according to a recent OpinionWay poll published by Hexagone. With Philippe currently holding the mayor's office, he leads in the first round with 37% of votes, closely followed by his communist opponent Jean-Paul Lecoq at 35%. This result represents a significant moment for Philippe, who has been a leader in French political approval ratings for an extensive period.

The poll also highlights the presence of Franck Keller, the candidate from the National Rally (Rassemblement National), who, despite sitting third with 18% support, is in a position to advance to the second round of voting. If Keller qualifies, this could create a three-way race in Le Havre, significantly complicating Philippe's chances of securing re-election. The dynamics of a contested election are particularly critical for Philippe, as he has tied his future political aspirations, including a potential presidential run, to his re-election outcome.

The implications of this polling data could be profound for both Philippe's political career and the broader landscape of French politics leading up to the presidential elections. Should Philippe lose in his stronghold, it could diminish his influence and perceived viability as a candidate for future national leadership, shaking the confidence among his supporters and colleagues. This election serves not just as a local contest but a crucial barometer for the mounting challenges faced by established political figures in France.