Ulf Kampf: challenger for the SPD top candidacy in SH!

Ulf Kampf: challenger for the SPD top candidacy in SH!

There is political turmoil in Schleswig-Holstein: the mayor of Kiel, Ulf Kampf, is taking on the challenge of undermining Prime Minister Daniel Günther (CDU) in the coming election campaign. The socialist, who has been loyal to the SPD for almost 30 years, recently gathered the majority of party members behind him in a primary election and will enter the race as the top candidate for the 2027 state elections. Kaempfer was able to prevail in an exciting head-to-head race against state and parliamentary group leader Serpil Midyatli, as NDR reports.

Kampf, who also has a doctorate in law, not only has legal expertise, but also administrative experience as a former state secretary in the Energy Transition Ministry under Robert Habeck and as mayor, where he was elected to office with over 63 percent of the vote in 2014. During two terms in office, he struggled with challenges such as poor air quality and the failed Olympic bid. His vision is to steer Schleswig-Holstein in safe waters, especially in turbulent times where populism and right-wing extremist tendencies are increasing, as he emphasized during the primary election and other occasions.

The election preparations are in full swing

The primary election, the key dates of which were set in June 2025, officially began on August 8th and ends today, November 8th, 2025. Kampfer and Midyatli are concentrating on the SPD's core concerns, including the creation of more social housing, the promotion of industrial jobs, sufficient staff for schools and the retention of citizens' money. Both candidates are listening to citizens' concerns, as vorwärts.de reports. Kampfer noted that many citizens are disappointed with the SPD and feel the need for a stronger presence of social democracy.

While the SPD only received 16 percent of the vote in the last state election in 2022, fighters are aiming to regain the trust of citizens with specific focus issues. He believes in the possibility of fundamental changes in politics, particularly on issues such as migration, integration and economic security, and sees the next year and a half as an opportunity to put pressure on the state government.

A look into the future

The counting of votes, which will take place today under notary supervision, will pave the way for the official nomination of the elected candidate at an extraordinary state party conference. Information about the primary election and how to proceed will be kept up to date on the Website of the SPD Schleswig-Holstein. The expectations are high - the nervousness among the members of the SPD is palpable, after all, this election could be decisive for the future of the party in Schleswig-Holstein.

At a time when the challenges are great and the uncertainties are numerous, Ulf Kampf could become a strong leader with his experience and his clear course towards the SPD. Whether he succeeds in this will become apparent in the coming months.