The AfD in Schleswig-Holstein is preparing its state list for the 2027 state election. On 12 November 2026, Nicole Baer and Karsten Ambrosius were competing for the top spot on the list. Following a postponement, the selection is due to be discussed from 21 November in Bad Oldesloe . On 12 November, North German Broadcasting (NDR) reported on the contest and the two candidates’ different support bases.
The decision matters to the state association because the party wants to return to parliament after losing its seats. It failed to clear the five per cent threshold in the 2022 election. The next state election is scheduled for 18 April 2027. Who leads the AfD into the campaign will not alone determine the outcome of the election. However, the person at the top of the list shapes the face and priorities with which the party goes into the campaign.
Baer is chair of the AfD district association in Pinneberg and is a member of the state executive. According to NDR, she cites education and family policy as her priorities. The broadcaster reports that she has the support of the state executive, although the body has not formally endorsed her candidacy. The Kieler Nachrichten had also reported in October on her bid and her supporters within the party.
Ambrosius is politically active in Stormarn district and heads the state committee on migration. According to NDR, he wants to put economic policy issues at the forefront. A group of party members in Neumünster supports his bid. The Kieler Nachrichten also reported that both candidates had backing from different parts of the state association.
The contest for the top spot also raises the question of who will stand in the other positions on the list. According to NDR research, there are competing proposals for the make-up of the state list. For those involved, this is more than a matter of order: depending on the election result, a candidate’s position may determine whether they win a seat via the list.
The selection process was originally due to begin on 31 October in Neumünster. The date was postponed after the city refused to approve the security plan. According to the Kieler Nachrichten, the party now plans to meet in Bad Oldesloe on 21 and 22 November and on the following two weekends. NDR also reported on the planned meetings and the change of venue.
According to NDR, the party’s election manifesto and the election of a new state executive are also on the agenda. State chair Kurt Kleinschmidt is reportedly seeking re-election. Several internal party decisions will therefore be made within a short period. For now, it remains to be seen which candidates prevail and how united the state association will be as it enters the campaign.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).