Every six years, citizens are called to the polls to elect their mayor. In France, there are approximately 35,000 mayors. These officials are described as “the largest political and administrative authority in France,” according to the Vie Publique. The upcoming municipal elections are scheduled for March 15 and 22, 2026. Once these elections conclude, around 35,000 mayors are expected to assume their new roles.
For some elected officials, this will be a first time. For others, it's a déjà vu. Indeed, it's common for a mayor to seek a second or even third term. In Paris, outgoing Mayor Anne Hidalgo is currently serving her second term, but she has stated in the press that she does not intend to run for a third.
Legally, Anne Hidalgo still has the option to run for office again. Mayors and municipal councilors are elected for six-year terms that can be renewed. Under the French electoral code, there are no restrictions on re-election for mayors. As a result, some may remain in office for their entire lives!
Two men hold the record for the longest-serving mayor in France: Arthur Richier (Faucon-du-Caire, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) and Roger Sénié (La Bastide-de-Bousignac, Ariège) have each served 11 terms, totaling 66 years leading their municipalities. In Paris, Jacques Chirac holds the record for the longest tenure, remaining in office for 18 years, across three consecutive terms. As an interesting sidenote, Henri Lefèvre d'Ormesson holds the record for the shortest mayoral term: elected as Paris mayor on November 21, 1792, he resigned less than a day later due to threatening letters.
There is no legal limit to the number of terms a mayor can serve. However, certain individuals may be declared ineligible by the judiciary and thus barred from holding the office of mayor. Additionally, elected officials can be suspended or removed from their positions; when that happens, they are required to step down before their term officially ends.
