diff --git a/bindings/python/notmuch/version.py b/bindings/python/notmuch/version.py
index 94bff1e5..cb039de6 100644
--- a/bindings/python/notmuch/version.py
+++ b/bindings/python/notmuch/version.py
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 # this file should be kept in sync with ../../../version
-__VERSION__ = '0.26~rc0'
+__VERSION__ = '0.26~rc1'
 SOVERSION = '5'
diff --git a/version b/version
index 1630be11..0de55d6e 100644
--- a/version
+++ b/version
@@ -1 +1 @@
-0.26~rc0
+0.26~rc1