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 between 9:00 and 19:00, with no physical polling stations. Approximately 97,000 party members participated, representing over 86% turnout, choosing between six to eight candidates from a pool of 51 contenders.

The primary results placed incumbent MK Yair Golan at the top of the list, followed by Naama Lazimi, Gilad Kariv, and Efrat Rayten. Other notable incumbents such as Yaya Pink, Gabi Leski, and Omri Ronen secured positions five through seven. The party's candidate list is gender-balanced, alternating men and women as part of a "gender zipper" system.

The Democratic Party also guaranteed reserved spots for the Meretz party at positions six, eight, and fourteen, ensuring representation for rural sectors and minority groups. The candidate roster includes a diverse mix of current and former MKs, as well as representatives from various communities including Jews, Druze, Arabs, secular and religious members, and LGBTQ individuals. The final list awaits approval from the party's election committee.

This primary marks a significant step in the Democratic Party's preparations for the upcoming Knesset elections, emphasizing inclusivity and digital engagement among its members.