Sunny Joseph (73), president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, is seeking re-election from the Peravoor constituency in Kannur district for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections. Known as 'Sunnychaayan' and 'Sunny Vakeel', Joseph has built a strong grassroots network since first winning the seat in 2011. He faces a formidable challenge from CPI(M) leader KK Shailaja, who has been moved from Mattannur to contest in Peravoor. Historically, the constituency has leaned towards Congress, except for the period from 2006 to 2011 when Shailaja won. Joseph's victories have shown fluctuations, winning by over 7,000 votes in 2016 but only by 3,000 votes in 2021 against CPI(M)’s Sakeer Hussain. As he campaigns for a fourth consecutive term, Joseph's political experience will be tested against Shailaja's popularity in what is expected to be a closely contested election.