Mikel Hidalgo is the candidate proposed by the PNV's Bizkai Buru Batzar for the mayoralty of Bilbao, succeeding Juan Mari Aburto in the 2027 municipal elections. The candidacy was unanimously confirmed by Interjuntas. Following Juan Mari Aburto's announcement that he would not repeat as the party's list leader for the upcoming elections, there was a wide range of candidates to succeed him. However, the Bizkai Buru Batzar's proposal to Interjuntas was ultimately Mikel Hidalgo, a choice not widely anticipated.

The 33-year-old Biscayan holds a degree in Business Administration and Management and completed the Executive Development Program at Deusto Business School. After finishing his studies in 2015, Hidalgo worked in the private sector before moving to the Lehendakaritza advisory office, where he arrived in 2022 to work on the coordination of social transition projects.

He performed financial and accounting audit tasks at PricewaterhouseCoopers Auditories and later moved to Seed Capital Bizkaia, where he served as an investment and portfolio management analyst.

His ties to the PNV are long-standing, and since the election of Iñigo Ansola, he has been part of the Bizkai Buru Batzar's executive board.

Looking ahead to the next legislative term, the Bilbao City Council will face numerous challenges. Among the ongoing projects, perhaps the most emblematic will be the transformation of the Zorrotzaurre island, which is entering its final stages. Additionally, the major urban redevelopment in Olabeaga is set to begin, where the train tracks will be buried, leading to growth in both housing and amenities for the neighborhood.