Overview

• The SPD’s executive state board voted unanimously to propose Krach as Spitzenkandidat for the 20 September 2026 Abgeordnetenhaus election, with formal confirmation planned at a party congress on 15 November.
• An expanded state board will review the nomination this weekend, and Krach is expected to be presented publicly at a press event early next week.
• Currently Regionspräsident in Hannover, Krach says he will arrange a transition that lets him campaign in Berlin without triggering early regional elections, with the regular Hannover vote on 13 September 2026 still feasible.
• The SPD says its goal is to become the strongest party in 2026 and reclaim the office of Governing Mayor, positioning Krach—Berlin’s former science state secretary from 2014 to 2021—as its standard-bearer.
• Early reactions include support from the Berlin Jusos, who expect a progressive course, a measured welcome from CDU incumbent Kai Wegner, and note that the Greens have advanced Werner Graf as their candidate.