From Yellow Vests street protest to city council: when social movements run for office

How the Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vests) faced electoral dilemma? Despite their rejection of political institutions, French municipal elections 2020 led some participants to embrace conventional politics. Under which circumstances can a social movement lead participation and eventually obtain success? Relying on quantitative qualitative data, this article provides an explanation activists different outcomes local in Bordeaux, one major sites Yellow Vests’ mobilization 2018–2019. The contends that far from allowing marginalized groups enter arena, these seem confirm “iron law oligarchy”. Two lists candidates both claiming be part Vests competed with each other. While “Bordeaux Democracy” rejected partisan support failed stand, Struggle” could rely organizational was able maintain itself achieved unexpected success three councillors.