Convicted CSU Mayor Thomas Pardeller Wins Re-election in Neubiberg
Neubiberg's mayoral race has ended with a victory for the CSU's Thomas Pardeller, despite his recent conviction for cocaine possession. The incumbent secured 54.7% of the vote in the runoff election, beating Green candidate Carola Grimminger. The result follows a tight first round where Pardeller fell just short of an outright majority.
The first round of Bavaria's 2026 municipal elections took place on March 8. In Neubiberg, a suburb near Munich, CSU mayor Thomas Pardeller won 49.7% of the vote, narrowly missing the 50% needed to avoid a runoff. His closest rival, Green candidate Carola Grimminger, trailed with 35.3%. The outcome marked a shift in the traditionally CSU-dominated area, contrasting with clear CSU victories elsewhere, such as Miltenberg (51.2%) and Freyung-Grafenau (89.1%).
The runoff election was held on March 22. Pardeller secured 54.7% of the vote, while Grimminger received 45.3%. The win came months after Pardeller's October conviction for cocaine possession, which resulted in a penalty order of 60 daily fines at €190 each, totalling €11,400.
Pardeller will continue as Neubiberg's mayor after the runoff victory. His re-election follows a legal penalty for drug possession, which did not prevent his success at the polls. The results also highlight growing competition for the CSU in areas once considered safe strongholds.
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