The decision of far-right MEP Sarah Knafo to drop out of the race gave Dati another boost.
Grégoire chose not to team up with Chikirou on principle due to her party’s abrasive, confrontational approach to the local election. France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon has stoked controversy recently with his unapologetic response to the killing of a far-right activist, and later with comments that were condemned as antisemitic.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s party, Renaissance said on Friday afternoon it would throw its support behind Dati. Renaissance had nominally backed Bournazel ahead of the first round, with officials close to Macron previously suggesting that Dati privately had the French leader’s support.
Grégoire on Thursday accused Macron of interfering in the contest, allegations the French president denied.
Jean-Cristophe Catalon and Giorgio Leali contributed to this report.
This story has been updated