Elected as CSU Nominee: Previous Wiesnchef Baumgärtner
Fresh Take:
Munich's Next Move: CSU's Clemens Baumgaertner Steps Up
Clemens Baumgaertner, the ex-economics boss and former Oktoberfest royalty, is tossing his hat in the ring for Munich's mayoral seat next year, representing the robust CSU party. With a staggering 98% vote, Baumgaertner snagged the CSU nomination at their convention. Out of 137 voters, a mere 3 dissented. "This is a monumental win," Baumgaertner humbly remarked. "I'm pumped for the battle ahead."
Baumgaertner is poised to face off against the current mayor, Dieter Reiter of the SPD, who's expressed interest in a third term. Notably, both candidates have shared the economics and Oktoberfest roles previously, with Mayor Reiter leading the city since 2014.
Aiming for the Top Spot
The CSU district board had their eyes on Baumgaertner as the top contender for the municipal election on March 8, 2026, since as early as July last year.
His ambition reaches sky-high: The CSU aims to be the city hall's powerhouse, and Baumgaertner intends to lead the city with his pragmatic approach and humble demeanor. Key focuses include public safety, economic growth, traffic management, affordable housing, and social justice. Engaging with the citizens is his top priority.
Connecting with the Community
Baumgaertner is already embarking on a city-wide listening tour. After his first stop in Sendling, approximately two dozen districts will follow suit. This grassroots approach allows the CSU to prioritize what the people truly want, proving they're not just office-bound politicos.
However, Munich's mayor seat has long been under SPD control. Since Erich Kiesl (CSU), who served from 1978 to 1984, no CSU member has held the position. The SPD's Georg Kronawitter, Christian Ude, and Dieter Reiter have all taken turns since then.
Baumgaertner's stint as economics head and Oktoberfest head honcho ended in February. His successor in these roles is Christian Scharpf (SPD), former mayor of Ingolstadt.
In light of his recent victory as the CSU's mayoral nominee, Clemens Baumgaertner announced his intentions to lead Munich with a focus on policy and legislation, particularly prioritizing public safety, economic growth, traffic management, affordable housing, and social justice. To ensure his administration serves the needs of the community, Baumgaertner is embarking on a city-wide listening tour, engaging with citizens in each district, as a part of his general-news campaign strategy to win the Munich mayoral election in March 2026. The CSU, with Baumgaertner at the helm, seeks to break the SPD's long-standing control of the mayor's seat by showcasing their dedication to grassroots politics.
