Overview

• Projections from public broadcaster WDR show the CDU at about 33% statewide, maintaining its standing from the last municipal cycle.
• AfD climbs to roughly 14.5%—about triple its previous local result in the state—marking a notable gain outside its eastern strongholds.
• The SPD slips to about 22% and the Greens fall to around 13%, extending center-left losses compared with 2020.
• Turnout rose to roughly 57%, clearly higher than in 2020, underscoring the national significance attached to the local vote.
• AfD fielded candidates in only about 60% of municipalities, yet still forced high-profile runoffs such as in Gelsenkirchen, where the mayoral race moves to a September 28 second round.