In the recent municipal elections for 2026 in Toulon, Josée Massi from the Divers Droite (DVD) party has emerged victorious, securing more than 53% of the votes. This election was closely monitored, particularly due to the high stakes involved in the political landscape of the area. In the first round, Laure Lavalette from the National Rally (RN) led significantly with 42.05% of the votes, while the incumbent mayor Josée Massi only attracted 29.54% of the votes, placing her in a challenging position heading into the second round.

Despite the tough competition, Massi's campaign gained momentum after Michel Bonnus, a Senator from the Les Républicains party, withdrew his candidacy. Bonnus had initially qualified for the second round with 15.7% of the votes but chose to endorse Massi, calling for his supporters to vote for her. This strategic endorsement was pivotal, as it likely shifted the balance in Massi's favor, allowing her to close the gap and ultimately win the mayoralty against Lavalette, who secured 45% in the final round of voting.

The election results reflect not only the dynamics of local politics but also the implications of national trends as the parties vie for power in France's municipal landscape. Massi's victory signifies a continuation of the Divers Droite's influence in Toulon and may have broader implications for future elections in the region, especially in the context of growing concerns over the far-right's increasing appeal in local politics. Given the outcome, Massi's leadership will be crucial in addressing the challenges faced by Toulon and in shaping its future governance.