diff --git a/bindings/python/notmuch/version.py b/bindings/python/notmuch/version.py
index a458447f..94bff1e5 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__ = '0.25.3'
+__VERSION__ = '0.26~rc0'
 SOVERSION = '5'
diff --git a/version b/version
index 3d9dcb1b..1630be11 100644
--- a/version
+++ b/version
@@ -1 +1 @@
-0.25.3
+0.26~rc0