The Cádiz PSOE provincial leadership has prevailed over Andalusian general secretary María Jesús Montero, who accepted the electoral list for the May 17 elections without her proposed changes. Juan Cornejo will head the Cádiz candidacy, with Fernando López Gil in third place. The Director Committee approved all lists unanimously after a nearly two-hour delay.
On Friday, April 10, 2026, in Cádiz, the Andalusian PSOE Director Committee approved the electoral lists for the May 17 regional elections, but not without tensions in the host province. The Lists Commission initially modified the Cádiz proposal, placing Fernando López Gil, Montero's trusted aide and campaign director, first, and Juan Cornejo, provincial Organization secretary, third. Cornejo rejected the change "for coherence and dignity," even renouncing any spot, derailing regional plans.
After hours of last-minute negotiations, Montero conceded, and the list remained as approved by local assemblies and the provincial executive: Cornejo first, followed by Rocío Arrabal, López Gil third, and Irene García fourth. Sources from the Cádiz PSOE, led by Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix, noted the original proposal was a prior agreement with the regional leadership, sealed during Holy Week, backed by 90% of assemblies and the provincial executive unanimously.
In her speech, Montero thanked "those who are not number ones" and those who "for the agreement have decided to step back," referring to López Gil. She called for unity and mobilization: "We are stronger," "dedicate the least time possible to organic issues," and focus on "governing institutions." This marks Montero's first major authority test since taking office just over a year ago, amid the Andalusian PSOE's weakness after years in opposition.
The Director Committee, with 421 members, greenlit all lists, though the final say rests with the PSOE's Federal Lists Commission, where Montero holds influence as federal deputy general secretary.
