The current mayor is Michele Lissia, a member of the centre-left Democratic Party, who took office on 11 June 2024.

[1] According to the Italian Constitution, the mayor of Pavia is member of the city council.

The mayor is elected by the population of Pavia, who also elect the members of the city council, controlling the mayor's policy guidelines and is able to enforce his resignation by a motion of no confidence.

The mayor is entitled to appoint and release the members of his government.

Since 1993, under provisions of new local administration law, the Mayor of Pavia is chosen by direct election, originally every four then every five years.