The president called surprise legislative elections, in two rounds on Sunday and July 7, and they're shaping up to be among the country's most divisive in recent history.
The centrist is set to become the youngest president in modern French history. Sunday's results mark a big defeat for right-wing Marine Le Pen, who hoped to ride the populist wave to victory.
Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen represents euro-skepticism and protectionism while centrist Emmanuel Macron is pro-Europe and immigrant friendly. Most polls close at 7 p.m. local time Sunday.
Marine Le Pen grew up in a "house of political violence," a biographer says. Since taking control of the far-right party her father founded, she has tried to expand its reach, and kicked him out.