51 Candidates Compete in Democratic Party Primaries Amid Record 85,000 New Members

The Democratic Party announced that 51 candidates will compete in its primaries scheduled for July 20, 2026. The party has seen a surge in membership, with 85,000 new members joining, marking the highest number since the 1990s. The candidate list includes representatives from diverse sectors and communities, including Jews, Druze, Arabs, and LGBTQ individuals, with men and women alternated on the list according to the party’s "zipper" system.

The primaries will determine the party’s Knesset list, which recent polls suggest could win between 8 to 11 seats, making the competition for places intense. New members can register up to one week before the vote to participate in shaping the list. The party’s CEO, Omer Loveton-Garnot, emphasized the Democratic Party as the only democratic faction within the opposition bloc, calling on candidates to maintain a respectful and democratic spirit during the primaries.

Loveton-Garnot highlighted the party’s transparency and commitment to liberal democratic values, contrasting it with other political groups that rely on closed-door decisions or single leaders. The party boasts thousands of activists and volunteers nationwide, positioning itself as a strong political force. The full list of candidates was published, pending final approval by the party’s election committee.

This development reflects the Democratic Party’s growing influence and its appeal to voters seeking a principled and open alternative in Israel’s political landscape. The primaries will be a key step in solidifying the party’s platform and electoral strategy ahead of the upcoming national elections.