Overview

• An AfD spokesperson confirmed to Politico two additional deaths on reserve lists — René Herford, reported with kidney failure after a liver condition, and Patrick Tietze, reported as suicide — bringing the party’s total to six.
• Local police in the previously reported four cases say there are no indications of criminal involvement, with some deaths described as natural and routine inquiries closed where appropriate.
• Election authorities say candidates from other parties have also died since nomination and report no evidence that overall deaths are unusually high, noting there is no centralized statewide tally.
• Affected districts have invalidated earlier ballots and mailed postal-voting documents, are reprinting new materials, and may nominate replacements under NRW’s municipal election law ahead of the Sept. 14 vote.
• Social media posts fueled speculation, including a widely shared message referenced by AfD leader Alice Weidel, while AfD vice chair Kay Gottschalk urged restraint and said the party would review the cases.