Argentina's political landscape has been stirred by a new opinion poll that ranks the country's 24 provincial governors by public image. The survey, first published by the major Argentine newspaper Clarín on August 19, 2026, and replicated by dozens of regional outlets, has become the talk of political circles from the Casa Rosada to remote provincial capitals.
Top of the Pack: Jaldo and Torres
According to the initial data, the governor of Tucumán, Osvaldo Jaldo, sits at the top of the list of best-valued governors. Jaldo, who took office in 2023 after Juan Manzur resigned, has gained popularity through a focus on public works and a cooperative relationship with the national government. Another standout is Ignacio Torres, governor of Chubut province in Patagonia, who ranks among the most highly rated despite his very public disputes with President Javier Milei over federal funding. Torres, a member of the PRO party, has maintained strong support in his southern province through a combative stance against austerity measures.
Bottom of the List: Not Named Yet
The full ranking, written by journalist Eduardo Paladini, identifies the governors with the worst image as well, but those names have not been revealed in the headlines distributed via Google News. The complete list, covering all 24 governors and also including mayors of major cities, is available behind Clarín's subscription paywall. The survey's methodology and exact figures remain exclusive to subscribers, but the buzz around the results is already intense.
Why This Poll Matters
Governors in Argentina hold significant power over provincial budgets, public services, and political patronage. Their approval ratings are a key indicator of national political trends, especially with the 2027 midterm and presidential elections approaching. The survey comes at a delicate moment: while the economy shows signs of recovery, annual inflation still hovers around 33.8%, and President Milei's own approval has been slipping, particularly among younger voters. These numbers give strategists a glimpse into the electoral battlefield that is already taking shape.
Immediate Reactions
Social media exploded with comparisons and debates as soon as the numbers began circulating. Government allies celebrated Torres's high standing, while Peronists touted Jaldo as a counterweight to the national administration. The poll also coincides with other recent measurements that show a decline in President Milei's popularity, suggesting a volatile political climate. Analysts note that governors who can maintain strong local support while navigating federal tensions are likely to become kingmakers in the next election cycle.
For those who want to see the complete ranking and methodology, the original article is available on Clarín, or you can browse the aggregated headlines on Google News.
'The image of governors is a direct reflection of their management and the public mood in each province.'