Overview
- The state parliament elected the SPD politician with 49 votes to 29, with one abstention and one invalid ballot, indicating at least two opposition members backed her because only 47 coalition lawmakers were present.
- She succeeds long-serving Ulrich Mäurer after more than 17 years in the post, with the 74-year-old stepping down in part due to age.
- Högl previously led interior and legal work in the SPD Bundestag group, helped shape the NSU inquiry, and served as Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces from 2020 to May 2025.
- She cited priorities in tackling crime, managing migration and integration, and strengthening cyber defenses, stating that public safety is paramount.
- Police unions called for sustained investment in staffing and modernization, including an updated police law, repairs to facilities, a renewed fleet, and wider deployment of Tasers.