The PSOE in Andalusia has initiated its electoral preparations following the completion of provincial congresses and nearing the conclusion of assemblies for its 808 local groups.

The party's directorate committee, which serves as the highest decision-making body between congresses, is scheduled to designate a campaign committee and approve timelines for primary elections.

These primaries are set to take place in June, during which María Jesús Montero, the current Secretary General, is expected to be confirmed unopposed as the PSOE's candidate for the presidency of the Junta de Andalucía. Party officials indicate that Montero will be promoted as 'the candidate of the left.'

Andalusia's regional elections are slated for spring 2026. Current Junta President Juan Manuel Moreno has consistently stated that there is no intent to advance the election date, asserting that his absolute majority in the regional parliament ensures stability in governance, including securing support for the upcoming budget in October 2025. Moreno emphasized that he would only consider early elections if a significant or unforeseen event were to occur, a statement made previously in December.

The elections for Castilla y León are scheduled to occur prior to the Andalusian elections.

Within the PSOE, strategic discussions have indicated a lack of focus on the possibility of an early election, as indicated during a meeting between Montero and eight provincial secretaries.

While some party sources suggest the need to remain open to the possibility, the immediate objective is to streamline preparations through the establishment of a robust electoral committee.

This committee, pending authorization from the federal leadership, will oversee executive decisions and develop a campaign timeline, program, and operational strategy.

Speculation has arisen regarding Moreno's recent comments on the potential alignment of the Andalusian elections with upcoming national elections.

Some within the government and the PSOE maintain that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is likely to serve until 2027. However, many senior PSOE members in Andalusia believe that synchronizing both elections could boost voter turnout, countering their main concern of voter abstention.

The campaign committee is anticipated to include key figures such as María Márquez, the party’s deputy secretary general and parliamentary spokesperson; Paco Rodríguez, the secretary for organization; Fernando López Gil; Demetrio Pérez; and Alejandro Moyano.

The team is tasked with the goal of 'working to win' the elections.

Their roles are critical as they maintain constant communication with Montero, who balances responsibilities as Spain's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, affecting the partido's regional agenda.

Montero is set to be formally announced as the presidential candidate in June, making her the third individual to take on this role in consecutive electoral cycles for the PSOE in Andalusia.

Historically, the party has faced challenges in recent elections, having lost in four successive contests, including local, general, and European elections.

Following Susana Díaz's tenure as president, which saw a drop in the party's parliamentary representation and a defeat in the 2018 elections, and the subsequent leadership of Juan Espadas, who furthered the decline to 30 seats in 2022, Montero faces the task of rejuvenating the party amid its most challenging electoral landscape.

The aim is to galvanize progressive support cutting across the left-wing spectrum, although internal discussions have already branded Montero as 'the candidate of the left.'

The PSOE acknowledges the challenges ahead, noting a perceived decline in Moreno's approval ratings after six months in office.

However, recent surveys indicate that Moreno retains considerable support, suggesting a complex and competitive electoral environment as the parties prepare for future contests.