Kiel Mayor Election Heads to Runoff as No Candidate Secures Majority
Kiel, Germany – November 17, 2025 – A runoff election will be necessary to determine Kiel’s next mayor, as initial results from today’s municipal election show no candidate achieving a majority. The outcome sets the stage for a decisive second round of voting, impacting the future direction of Schleswig-holstein’s state capital and its approximately 247,000 residents.
This election is particularly meaningful as it follows the long tenure of outgoing mayor Ulf Kämpfer, who has held the office since 2017. The race to succeed him has been closely watched,with several candidates vying to address key local issues including urban advancement,transportation,and economic growth. The runoff, expected in the coming weeks, will pit the top two vote-getters against each other in a final contest for the city’s leadership.
among the candidates, Ansgar Stalder of the Basic Democratic Party of Germany (Die Basis) emerged as a notable contender. The 58-year-old,elected to the Kiel city council in May 2023,currently works in real estate technology within the public sector. Prior to this role, Stalder accumulated experience in the maritime industry, including nearly twelve years as operations manager for a Kiel-based towing and ferry company, and previous positions at various shipyards.
Detailed results for all candidates are still being finalized and will be released by the city’s election commission. Further facts will be provided as it becomes available.