António José Seguro of the Socialist Party won Portugal’s presidential election in a runoff held Sunday, February 8, 2026, according to data released by the Portuguese electoral commission. The result signals a rejection of the rising far-right sentiment seen in other European nations.
With more than 96 percent of votes tallied, Seguro secured approximately 66.2 percent of the vote, while his challenger, right-wing candidate André Ventura, received around 33.8 percent. The outcome largely confirmed earlier exit polls, which had projected Seguro’s victory with 67 to 73 percent of the vote.
Voting was delayed by a week in three municipalities in southern and central Portugal due to flooding caused by recent storms. However, the affected areas represent only 37,000 voters – or 0.3 percent of the electorate – and were not expected to significantly alter the final results.
The 63-year-old Seguro represents the center-left in Portuguese politics. He previously served as a leader of the Socialist Youth organization in the early 1990s, a member of parliament, and as Minister of Sport under Prime Minister António Guterres. His campaign focused on defending democracy and public services.
Ventura, 43, is the president of the right-wing Chega (Enough) party, which became the leading opposition force to the right-leaning government last year. The politician first gained prominence as a television football commentator before entering politics.
In the first round of the presidential election held earlier this year, António José Seguro received 31.1 percent of the vote. André Ventura (Chega) finished second with 23.5 percent.
Seguro will succeed the current president, conservative Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
The Portuguese president, while not holding executive power, plays a crucial role in times of crisis and has the authority to dissolve parliament and call for new legislative elections. This win for Seguro could influence the political landscape as Portugal navigates ongoing economic and social challenges.
