Berlin's SPD Election in 2026: Krach emerges as the frontrunner
Steffen Krach, born in Hannover in 1979, has been confirmed as the SPD's candidate for the office of Mayor in the upcoming Berlin elections. Krach, a political science graduate from the Free University of Berlin, has spent the past seven years serving as State Secretary for Science in Berlin.
During his tenure, Krach served under Senator for Education Sandra Scheeres and later under Mayor Michael MΓΌller, both members of the SPD. Krach's service spanned from 2014 to 2021, a period marked by a good financial situation in the science sector, providing him with significant scope for shaping policy.
Krach's political affiliation is with the SPD, and his nomination as the candidate for Mayor was unanimous, as confirmed by the SPD Berlin state association. As a relatively unknown public figure, Krach could embody a fresh start for the SPD in the race for the Red City Hall.
Despite leaving his position in 2021, Krach is still considered well-connected within the Berlin SPD. One notable aspect of Krach's career is his involvement in the federal board of Juso university groups, a youth organisation of the SPD.
As of now, there is no concrete name for a political opponent of Krach in the upcoming Berlin elections. Krach is the SPD's Spitzenkandidat for the Abgeordnetenhauswahl 2026, but potential opponents from other parties or factions have not been named.
In the absence of a clear competitor, Krach's candidacy presents an opportunity for the SPD to reclaim Berlin's Red City Hall, a symbol of political power in the city. The elections are scheduled for 2026, and the race is expected to be a significant one, with all parties vying for the position.
