The Berlin SPD has selected Steffen Krach as its lead candidate for the 2026 Abgeordnetenhaus elections, a decision unanimously approved at the party’s state conference on Saturday. The move signals a strategic shift for the Social Democrats, currently trailing in opinion polls and facing a significant challenge to their position in the city’s political landscape.
The SPD’s current standing – third place behind the CDU, their coalition partner and a resurgent Die Linke – reflects growing dissatisfaction among Berlin voters. The proximity of the AfD and the Greens in the polling data further underscores the precariousness of the SPD’s position and highlights the potential for a dramatic realignment of power in the upcoming election.
In his acceptance speech, Krach embraced the “underdog” label, signaling an intent to portray the SPD as a champion of ordinary Berliners. He immediately focused his platform on critical issues of housing and family policy, areas where the party believes it can regain lost ground. Krach emphasized the need for rigorous enforcement of the rent control measures, advocating for substantial fines against those found in violation.
Beyond affordability, Krach’s vision presents Berlin as a potential “family metropolis in Europe” a goal he states demands broad tolerance and cosmopolitan values. However, critics question the feasibility of such a lofty aspiration given the city’s existing pressures regarding housing shortages and integration challenges.
The candidacy of Krach, a former state secretary for Science in Berlin (2014-2021) and subsequent regional president in Hannover, injects a degree of experience into the SPD campaign. Yet, his prior role as a regional leader outside of Berlin raises questions about his understanding of the specific challenges and political nuances within the capital. The selection represents a concerted effort to revitalize the SPD’s image, but the party faces a formidable battle to regain voter confidence amidst a deeply fragmented political environment.