Recent polling from mid-to-late October 2026, including surveys by Ipsos, Focus, AKO, and SANEP, positions Ladislav Lörinc as the clear frontrunner for Košice mayor with first-round support in the 27–42% range and simulated win probabilities near 76%. His lead stems from his record as mayor of the Sídlisko KVP district and emphasis on local infrastructure and EU-funded projects. Incumbent Jaroslav Polaček trails in most models amid a crowded field that also includes Martin Mudrák and Lenka Kovačevičová, with the remaining candidates registering minimal support. A late-campaign controversy involving a near-identical name on the ballot and disputed photo metadata has added noise but has not altered the polling hierarchy ahead of the October 24 vote. Trader pricing reflects this evidence-based consensus on the likely outcome.