Alexander Erbert of the CDU has won the runoff election for Landrat (district administrator) in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district of Brandenburg. He secured 53.4 percent of the vote, according to preliminary results released by the district.
Close Contest and High Stakes
The election was closely watched, as Erbert’s opponent, Antje Ruhland-Führer of the AfD, led during part of the vote count before ultimately receiving 46.6 percent. The outcome is significant because it represented the AfD’s first opportunity to gain control of a Landrat position in Brandenburg.
The runoff election was necessary after neither candidate achieved an absolute majority in the first round. In that initial vote, Erbert received 48.8 percent, Ruhland-Führer 43.6 percent, and Evgeni Kivman of the Tierschutzpartei (Animal Welfare Party) received 7.6 percent.
Broader Political Context
The election takes place against a backdrop of shifting political dynamics in Brandenburg. According to a recent survey by the Insa Institute for the “Nordkurier,” the SPD, led by current Minister-President Dietmar Woidke, had 25 percent support in mid-January – a one-percentage-point increase since September 2025.
The AfD, led by René Springer, maintained 34 percent support in the same Insa poll, holding a nine-percentage-point lead over the SPD. Springer commented on the Landrat election result, stating, “Even if our candidate Antje Ruhland-Führer was unable to win the Landrat position despite an engaged campaign, the result clearly shows: we are growing from election to election.”
The overall voter participation rate for the runoff election was 45.2 percent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Landrat?
A Landrat is the administrative head of a Landkreis (district) in Germany. They are responsible for the administration of the district and represent it in state-level affairs.
Why was this election particularly noteworthy?
This election was closely watched because it presented the AfD with its first real chance to hold a Landrat position in Brandenburg.
What was the voter turnout for this election?
The voter turnout for the runoff election was 45.2 percent, according to the Landkreis Oberspreewald-Lausitz.
As Brandenburg’s political landscape continues to evolve, will the AfD’s momentum translate into further gains in upcoming elections?
