Quito mayoral race heats up as parties nominate candidates for 2026 election

The Social Christian Party (PSC) named Linda Romero, a communications consultant and former vice‑presidential candidate, as its mayoral contender for Quito and endorsed Gema Ormaza for the Pichincha prefecture. Avanza announced former mayor Jorge Yunda as its candidate for Quito, pairing him with Carla Cevallos for the prefecture, but Yunda faces a procedural hurdle after the National Electoral Council refused to change his voting registration, a requirement for candidacy. The Ecuadorian Socialist Party (PSE) selected former health minister Jorge Freddy Cueva as its mayoral nominee. Incumbent mayor Pabel Muñoz (RC–Amigo) is seeking re‑election, while other hopefuls include Wilson Merino (Imparables), Cristina Cachaguay (Unidad Popular), Galo Almeida (Centro Democrático) and additional possible entrants. The primary elections are scheduled ahead of the November 29, 2026, sectional elections.