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

The Democratic Party announced that 51 candidates will compete in its primary elections scheduled for July 20, 2026. The party reported a record 85,000 new members have joined, the highest since the 1990s. The candidate list includes representatives from diverse sectors and communities, including Jews, Druze, Arabs, and LGBTQ individuals, with men and women alternating 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 and 11 seats, making competition for spots intense. New members can register up to one week before the vote to participate in shaping the list. The party emphasized its growth and strength as the largest in the opposition bloc, with thousands of activists nationwide.

Among the candidates are notable figures such as Yair Golan, Gilad Kariv, and Naama Lazimi. The party's CEO, Omer Loveton-Garnot, stressed the Democratic Party's unique position in the opposition bloc as a transparent, open, and value-driven alternative. He urged candidates to maintain a respectful and democratic spirit throughout the primaries, emphasizing the importance of upholding freedom of expression and party values.