Overview

• Multiple outlets citing SPD sources, including dpa, report that Regionspräsident Steffen Krach is the likely pick to head the party’s Berlin ticket.
• Berlin SPD co-chairs say they are in confidential talks and will present a joint personnel proposal, while declining to comment on reports.
• Krach currently leads the Hanover region and previously served as Berlin’s science state secretary from 2016 to 2021.
• If confirmed, he would face incumbent CDU mayor Kai Wegner in the September 2026 Abgeordnetenhaus election.
• Party insiders describe Krach as a broadly accepted choice as Raed Saleh and Franziska Giffey fade from contention, with an executive decision expected around September 8 and a formal announcement likely in mid-September, which would also trigger a succession process in Hanover.