Often Just One Mayor Candidate: No Choice in the Election

The number of candidates running for mayor in Bavaria’s upcoming local elections appears to be shrinking. While over 30 people have announced or confirmed their bids for 2026, officials warn the final count could drop even further. This decline has raised concerns about the future of contested races in many towns across the region.

In 2020, a total of 42 candidates competed for mayoral positions in 21 towns, with only Bad Kohlgrub avoiding an election entirely. This time, the trend suggests fewer people will put themselves forward. Real competition is now expected in just a handful of key locations, including Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Murnau and Oberammergau.

Meanwhile, at least 12 towns—such as Seehausen, Riegsee, Großweil and Ettal—look set to have just one candidate each. Saulgrub and Bad Bayersoien may also join this list. The lack of competition has led to warnings from officials, though Matthias Simon, press spokesman for the Bavarian Association of Municipalities, cautions against reading too much into the numbers. He argues that a drop in candidates does not necessarily mean fewer people want the job. Christian Scheuerer, spokesperson for the association of district mayors, has been more critical. He described the current system—where mayors often juggle a voluntary role alongside full-time work—as 'madness.' Scheuerer insists urgent reforms are needed to make the position more attractive. So far, no new parties or groups have signalled plans to field additional candidates before the January 8, 2026, deadline for the 19 remaining district towns in Berlin.

With the final list of candidates still taking shape, many municipalities face the prospect of uncontested races. The current system’s challenges, combined with a lack of new entrants, could leave several towns with only one choice for mayor. Officials continue to monitor the situation as the election date approaches.