Overview

• Cem Özdemir was elected as the Green Party's top candidate for the 2026 Baden-Württemberg state election with 97% of the vote at a party convention in Heidenheim.
• The CDU currently leads in polls with 31%, followed by the Greens at 20% and the AfD close behind at 19%.
• Özdemir aims to succeed Winfried Kretschmann as Minister-President, emphasizing unity and pragmatic leadership in his campaign.
• CDU candidate Manuel Hagel, 37, is positioning himself as a fresh alternative while navigating challenges from both the Greens and the AfD.
• The Green Party's campaign will focus on affordable housing and infrastructure, while addressing the growing political influence of the AfD.