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Jun 16, 20261
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Argentine Poll Shows Clear Geographic Divide: Milei Strong in Center-West, Kicillof Holds Peronist Strongholds
A CB Consultora poll shows President Javier Milei leads in Argentina's center and west, particularly in Córdoba and Mendoza, while Governor Axel Kicillof maintains strength in provinces with established Peronist structures like Santiago del Estero and Formosa. The results illustrate a geographic split along historical political identities and contemporary governance factors, with deep polarization evident nationwide.
Quick Facts
Who
Javier Milei
What
Poll measuring approval ratings and geographic support
When
2026-06-16
Where
Córdoba
- Poll measuring approval ratings and geographic support
- Milei leads in center-west provinces
- Kicillof dominates in Peronist-governed provinces
- Security coordination in Santa Fe cited as success
- Vaca Muerta energy development influences Neuquén support
A recent CB Consultora poll reveals starkly different geographic bases of support for Argentina's two major political figures. President Javier Milei achieves his highest approval ratings in the center and west of the country, with particularly strong showings in Córdoba (53.5%) and Mendoza (52.7%)—provinces that were decisive in his 2023 presidential victory. His support extends across a corridor including San Luis (45.4%), Santa Fe (42.8%), Salta (41.5%), and San Juan (40.6%), where voters maintain a strong anti-Kirchnerist identity.
Bonaerense Governor Axel Kicillof, meanwhile, maintains dominance in provinces with established Peronist territorial structures and electorates with deeper roots in the movement. Kicillof leads significantly in Santiago del Estero (52.4%), Formosa (42.3%), Buenos Aires province (42%), Catamarca (39.9%), Tucumán (39.1%), and Chaco (38.8%). In Buenos Aires province—the nation's largest electoral district—Kicillof's 42% approval substantially outpaces Milei's 34.8%, suggesting the governor retains meaningful support despite the president's national electoral victory.
The geographic patterns reflect long-standing political identities and contemporary governance factors. In Córdoba and Mendoza, the electorate has historically resisted Kirchnerism, while Milei's security coordination with Santa Fe against drug trafficking violence has consolidated favorable perceptions there. In Neuquén, Milei benefits from his government's central role in energy policy and Vaca Muerta development. Conversely, Peronist governors in provinces like Santiago del Estero and Formosa maintain strong organizational capacity that translates into popular support for their movement's national representative.
The largest margins favoring Kicillof appear in Santiago del Estero, where he leads by 31.4 percentage points (52.4% vs. 21.0%), followed by Formosa with a 21.1-point advantage. Several provinces show more competitive terrain: La Rioja (Milei 37.4%, Kicillof 36.1%), La Pampa (37.3% vs. 35.4%), and Tucumán (both near 39%), indicating regions where neither figure commands a decisive advantage.
Beyond the headline figures, the poll underscores deep national polarization. Even in provinces where Milei or Kicillof achieve their strongest approval ratings, both figures maintain substantial negative imagery, indicating that these leadership contests continue to generate broad rejection among significant voter segments and reflect Argentina's profound political divisions.
Why This Matters
This geographic divide has immediate implications for Argentina's 2025 political trajectory. Milei's control of the center-west—economically vital regions like Córdoba and Mendoza—suggests he can influence provincial governance and resource allocation, while Kicillof's dominance in Buenos Aires province (the largest electoral district) keeps the Peronist movement competitive despite the president's national victory. Understanding these provincial strongholds clarifies where political battles will be fought, which constituencies each leader must defend or expand, and whether Milei can consolidate federal authority across traditionally Peronist territories.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2023
WireJavier Milei wins presidential election; Córdoba and Mendoza prove decisive
Jun 16, 2026
WireCB Consultora releases poll showing geographic approval patterns for Milei and Kicillof