# 2026 Czech Senate election

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-czech-senate-election
> Updated: 2026-08-04T13:46:59.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3.

In late July 2026, former Czech Army chief Karel Řehka announced his independent candidacy for the Senate seat in the Plzeň‑město constituency, receiving backing from the STAN movement. His campaign highlighted his military experience and public‑service record.

Two days later, internal negotiations among the governing coalition collapsed, leading the coalition parties ANO 2011 and Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) to field separate Senate candidates. The Motoristé party initially opted out of the Senate race, redirecting its resources to mayoral contests in Prague, Brno and Ostrava. The first round of Senate voting was scheduled for 9‑10 October, with candidate lists due in early August.

On 4 August, Motoristé formally withdrew from the Senate contest, citing a severe shortage of personnel and a strategic focus on building its regional base through municipal elections in three major cities. Party leader Petr Macinka said the group would back ANO and SPD candidates where possible. The withdrawal followed earlier talks on joint Senate candidates that collapsed after ANO decided to run alone in all districts. Motoristé’s sole recent Senate candidate, Boris Šťastný, lost his race in Prague 12, underscoring the party’s dwindling electoral prospects.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-04: Czech Motoristé Party Withdraws from Senate Race, Backs ANO

Motoristé will not run Senate candidates in October, will contest only three cities in municipal elections and will support ANO, citing personnel shortages and strategic refocus.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/czech-motorist-party-withdraws-from-senate-race-backs-ano

### 2026-07-31: Czech Senate race: ANO and SPD field candidates, Motoristé skip contest

ANO and SPD will run separate Senate candidates after coalition talks failed, while Motoristé will skip the Senate race and focus on municipal elections in Prague, Brno and Ostrava.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/czech-senate-race-ano-and-spd-field-candidates-motorist-skip-contest

### 2026-07-29: Former Army Chief Karel Řehka Runs for Senate in Plzeň with STAN Backing

Ex‑army chief Karel Řehka will run as an independent with STAN support for the Plzeň‑město Senate seat, facing candidates from ODS, ANO and KSČM.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tom-ehk-elected-to-czech-television-board-by-senate

---
Cite as: 2026 Czech Senate election. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-czech-senate-election