According to calculations by the Czech News Agency, Jitka Volfová (ANO) and Liberec Region Governor Martin Půta (SLK) are advancing to the second round in the Česká Lípa Senate constituency. After more than 80 percent of precincts had been counted, Volfová had 35.14 percent of the vote and Půta 32.73 percent.[1] Jitka Volfová is a member of the Chamber of Deputies. [1] Turnout in the first round was just under 40 percent, with five candidates competing for the seat.[1]
Incumbent senator Jiří Vosecký (independent) came third with nearly 16 percent and failed to retain his seat. Vít Vomáčka (ODS) received 13 percent and Leoš Hamrský (KSČM) four percent.[1][2] The results could still change as votes from the remaining precincts were counted. [2] The second round is scheduled for 16 and 17 October 2026.[2] If no candidate wins an absolute majority of votes in the first round, the two most successful candidates proceed to a second round. [2]
Půta said he believed he would win the second round because he represented the interests of people in the region, not the interests of party headquarters.[2] Půta commented on the result from the Café Union coffee shop in Česká Lípa. [2]
Related articles: 2026 municipal and Senate elections, Jitka Volfová, Liberec Region, Martin Půta
Second round and Martin Půta's victory
In the second round of the Senate election in the Česká Lípa constituency, Liberec Region Governor Martin Půta (Starostové pro Liberecký kraj) won. He received 14,287 votes, or 55.75 percent, defeating Jitka Volfová (ANO), a member of the Chamber of Deputies and mayor of Česká Lípa, who received 11,339 votes, or 44.25 percent. Polling stations closed on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at 2 p.m., with turnout at 22.13 percent.[3][4]
In the first round, Volfová received 15,078 votes (35.05 percent) and Půta 14,052 votes (32.66 percent), a difference of 1,026 votes. Incumbent senator Jiří Vosecký was unsuccessful in the first round and is leaving the Senate after twelve years.[4]
Before the election, Půta said that if elected, he would resign as governor, since the two offices cannot be held simultaneously. He has been Governor of the Liberec Region since 2012. The region would be temporarily led by Deputy Governor Edvard Kožušník (ODS); a new governor must be elected by the regional assembly. Volfová remains a member of the Chamber of Deputies and, according to Liberecká Drbna, is stepping down as mayor of Česká Lípa.[3][4]
Chronology
- — The Governor of the Liberec Region, Martin Půta (Mayors for the Liberec Region), won the second round of the Senate election in the Česká Lípa district with 55.75 percent of the vote, ahead of MP Jitka Volfová (ANO); according to his earlier statement, he will give up the post of governor. Liberecká Drbna Deník: Liberecký kraj
- — In the Česká Lípa Senate district, according to ČTK calculations with more than 80 percent of polling districts counted, Jitka Volfová (ANO) with 35.14 percent and Liberec Region governor Martin Půta (SLK) with 32.73 percent advance to the second round; incumbent senator Jiří Vosecký (independent) did not defend his seat. ČT24: regiony iDNES.cz
Sources
- ČT24: regiony — 10 October 2026
- iDNES.cz — 10 October 2026
- Liberecká Drbna — 17 October 2026
- Deník: Liberecký kraj — 17 October 2026