Democratic Party Holds Digital Primaries with Incumbents Leading the List

The Democratic Party conducted its primaries on July 20, 2026, to select candidates for the 26th Knesset. The voting was held exclusively through a digital platform from 9:00 to 19:00, with no physical polling stations. Approximately 86% of party members participated, totaling around 97,000 voters who chose between six to eight candidates from a pool of 51 contenders.

The primary results placed incumbent MK Yair Golan at the top of the party list, followed by Naama Lazimi and Gilad Kariv. The list features three sitting MKs, eight former MKs, and a diverse group of candidates representing various communities including Jews, Druze, Arabs, secular and religious individuals, and LGBTQ+ members. The party also committed to gender alternation in the list order and reserved spots for the Meretz party at positions 6, 8, and 14, ensuring representation for rural sectors and minorities.

The top 20 candidates in the finalized list are: 1. Yair Golan, 2. Naama Lazimi, 3. Gilad Kariv, 4. Efrat Rayten, 5. Yaya Pink, 6. Gabi Leski, 7. Omri Ronen, 8. Michal Rozin, 9. Moshe Radman Abutbul, 10. Somia Bashir, 11. Nimrod Shafir, 12. Moran Zar Katzenstein, 13. Avi Dabush, 14. Emily Moatti, 15. Tomer Avital, 16. Nava Rozolio, 17. Ram Shefa, 18. Ali Salalha, 19. Retem Sivan, 20. Eran Atzion.

The Democratic Party's election committee will give final approval to the candidate list. The primaries reflect the party's efforts to maintain inclusivity and diversity while securing strategic alliances ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections.