Marek Hattas, the incumbent mayor of Nitra since 2018, leads the field at 56.5% as the election approaches on October 24, 2026. He secured a broad coalition backing from parties including PS, SaS, KDH, Demokrati, and Hnutie Slovensko when announcing his re-election bid in May, highlighting completed infrastructure projects such as a new river bridge, renovated parks, and modernized public transport. Igor Kršiak, running as an independent with support from local councillors and emphasizing administrative experience plus opposition unity after the 2022 vote split, sits at 21%. Marek Illéš, backed by Smer-SD and Hlas-SD with a managerial background, stands at 15.5%, while Zuzana Uhríková of Republika holds 4.8%. The multi-candidate field and ongoing opposition efforts to consolidate votes sustain competitive dynamics in trader assessments.