The Rhine-side industrial city of Ludwigshafen will hold a runoff election on October 12 to determine its next mayor after no candidate secured an outright majority in Sunday's initial vote. Preliminary results show Klaus Blettner of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Free Voters Group (FWG) alliance leading with 41.2% of valid votes, followed by Social Democratic Party (SPD) candidate Jens Peter Gotter with 35.5%. The election marks a pivotal moment for Germany's second-largest city in Rhineland-Palatinate as it seeks new leadership.

Two additional candidates participated in the contest but fell short of forcing an immediate decision. Independent candidate Martin Wegner captured 15.7% of the vote while Michaela Schneider-Wettstein from the Volt party received 7.6%. Voter turnout stood at approximately 29%, with around 122,000 eligible citizens registered to participate in the municipal election. The low participation rate reflects broader trends in local German politics where mayoral races often struggle to engage the electorate.

The election occurred against a backdrop of controversy following the exclusion of Alternative for Germany (AfD) politician Joachim Paul from the ballot. Election authorities barred Paul from running due to concerns about his commitment to Germany's constitutional principles, a decision subsequently upheld by multiple courts. The AfD politician has denied the allegations and announced plans to challenge the election results through legal channels, stating his legal team would determine whether to file complaints after the first round or following the runoff.

Outgoing Mayor Jutta Steinruck, who opted not to seek reelection, has faced criticism on social media platforms since the exclusion decision was announced. The independent mayor, formerly affiliated with the SPD, oversaw the announcement of preliminary results at the Wilhelm-Hack-Museum. Police investigations are underway regarding the nature of online attacks against municipal officials. The October runoff will determine whether Ludwigshafen continues with center-right leadership under Blettner or shifts to SPD governance under Gotter in this key industrial hub.