Key candidates confirmed ahead of 29 November vote
Esquerra Republicana (ERC) has confirmed Laura Pelay as the fourth candidate on its list for the Barcelona constituency in the upcoming general election, scheduled for 29 November 2026. The announcement follows the national executive's approval of the initial slate, with Gabriel Rufián as lead candidate.
Pelay, currently a town councillor in Vilafranca del Penedès, will run behind Mireia Ingla, former mayor of Sant Cugat, and Jordi Albert, a sitting member of the Catalan Parliament. The selection was formalised by ERC's national executive, with the final list due to be ratified by the party's national council on 20 October, after territorial congresses conclude.
Laura Pelay Bargalló holds a degree in Political Science and Law, and has completed two master's degrees: one in Political Analysis and Institutional Advising from the University of Barcelona (UB), and another in Labour Law and Human Resources from ICAB. She is currently vice-secretary general for Labour, Economy, Language, Citizenship, and Open Party within ERC's executive, and also works as an associate professor in Political Science at the UB and as a tutor at the Open University of Catalonia (UOC).
Her candidacy is part of a broader electoral agreement between ERC and Podemos, under which Podemos will not field its own list in Catalonia and will instead support ERC candidates. However, the individual who will occupy the designated Podemos spot on the list has not yet been announced, as internal primaries remain open until Thursday 15 October.
Next steps for candidate selection
ERC's candidate list for Barcelona will include up to 32 principal candidates, plus substitutes. The party is currently holding territorial congresses to finalise the remaining positions, with the full list expected to be confirmed by 20 October.
Residents in Vilafranca del Penedès will continue to be represented by Pelay during the campaign period, as she maintains her role on the municipal council. More information on her current responsibilities can be found on the Ajuntament of Vilafranca's official website.
Primary sources: Diputació de Barcelona, gencat.cat, portaldogc.gencat.cat, direcciopublica.transparencia.gencat.cat, Juntes electorals provincials. Reported by vilaweb.cat, ara.cat, publico.es, vilafranca.cat, lavanguardia.com, diaribarcelona.cat, Europa Press, RTVVilafranca, Betevé, El 3 de Vuit.
