Ulf Kämpfer elected SPD leader in Schleswig-Holstein after rival's surprise exit
Ulf Kämpfer has been elected as the new SPD leader in Schleswig-Holstein with overwhelming support. The vote came after an unexpected withdrawal by his only rival, Nina Scheer. Kämpfer now faces the challenge of rebuilding the party’s strength following a disappointing election result. The leadership contest took a sudden turn when Nina Scheer, the second candidate, pulled out of the race. This left Kämpfer as the sole nominee, securing 93.9 percent of the delegates’ votes. He called on the party to unite behind him, stressing the need to block the AfD and push forward despite recent setbacks.
Kämpfer acknowledged the SPD’s weak performance in the state election, where it won just 16 percent of the vote. He urged members to keep working hard, even after the leadership change. His immediate focus is on winning the upcoming Kiel-West constituency election, where he has asked for the party’s full trust.
Ayeşe Midyatlı, the outgoing leader, will stay on as parliamentary group leader in the state legislature and deputy federal SPD chair. In her farewell speech, she thanked the party base and reflected on her distinctive leadership style. She also expressed optimism about Kämpfer’s upcoming swearing-in, hoping for improved governance under his leadership.
Kämpfer, a trained lawyer, brings experience from various roles, including positions in state ministries, a judgeship, and mediation work. His new deputy will be Christina Schubert, the 35-year-old chair of Kiel’s SPD council group. Kämpfer now takes over a party in need of revival after a poor election showing. With strong backing from members and a clear call to action, he aims to stabilise the SPD’s position in Schleswig-Holstein. His first test will be the Kiel-West election, where he seeks to regain voter confidence.
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