The Košice Region governor race remains tightly contested ahead of the October 24 vote, with polls showing incumbent Rastislav Trnka (running independently) holding a narrow edge over Marián Porvažník, who is backed by a broad opposition coalition including Progresívne Slovensko, SaS, KDH, and others. Igor Šimko, supported by governing-aligned parties such as Hlas-SD, Smer-SD, SNS, and Republika, sits third but received a late boost when Tibor Géci withdrew on October 12 and endorsed him to reduce vote splitting. Recent surveys indicate undecided voters and turnout among key regional blocs will likely decide the outcome in this fragmented field. Further consolidation of anti-incumbent support or strong performance in the final debates could widen gaps among the leaders.