Overview

• Willo Göpel withdrew on July 10 after doctors at Klinikum am Friedrichshain ruled that the stress of a prolonged mayoral bid was too risky for his heart condition
• Göpel has lived with an artificial aorta and heart valves for 22 years and underwent multiple heart procedures this spring
• The CDU Potsdam district board unanimously nominated Clemens Viehrig, a native Potsdam citizen and ministry department head, as its new candidate
• Viehrig will compete against SPD nominee Severin Fischer, independent Noosha Aubel backed by Greens and Volt, Left-supported Dirk Harder and AfD leader Chaled-Uwe Said
• The snap election is set for September 21 with a likely runoff on October 12