Erding Now: Fresh candidate for the 2026 mayoral election in sight!

Erding Now: Fresh candidate for the 2026 mayoral election in sight!

A lot is happening in the political landscape in Erding. The countdown to the local elections in 2026 is underway and the Erding voting community now has big plans. How Mercury reports, the community is planning to send its own candidate into the race for the office of mayor. The board has already considered “two or three candidates,” but the final decision will be discussed with the rank and file.

The number of members of the voting community has increased pleasingly from 55 to 63, which is a good sign of the committed participation in politics. However, the current challenges have not passed the members by: Hans Balbach and Harry Seeholzer have announced that they will no longer run in the local elections in March 2026. Seeholzer cited age as the reason for his withdrawal.

Current topics in focus

The political agenda is dominated by important issues. Among other things, the multi-purpose hall, whose costs have increased by almost five million euros, is a hot topic. Seeholzer also said that many plans have become “obsolete” because world politics has far-reaching consequences for local decisions. Johann “Johnny” Egger, on the other hand, sees the available space for the northern bypass as well as residential and commercial space as sufficient.

The solvency of the voting community is also on the agenda; the cash balance is currently around 30,000 euros at the end of 2024. In the upcoming board elections, Gerhard Heilmaier will remain as chairman, while Peter Schachtl has been appointed second chairman. Christine Heilmaier will manage the cash register and Helga Stenzel will take on the role of the new secretary.

A modern election campaign issue is also on the list: a creative campaign approach that combines classic elements with fresh ideas should attract attention. The goal for the voting community is clear: at least one additional seat on the city council – there should be five in total.

Candidates and electoral system

Things get exciting in the mayoral arena. Max Gotz from the CSU, incumbent mayor since 2013, has already announced his candidacy and is relying on ongoing major projects such as the Erdinger ring closure or the conversion of the air base. His opponent, Petra Bauernfeind from the Free Voters and current second mayor, has also declared her candidacy. She already ran against Gotz in 2020 and won 40.69% of the votes in the runoff. She received the support of the Free Voters for her renewed candidacy. The AfD and the Greens also seem to be in the starting blocks, while the SPD is still discussing its own candidate.

In the coming elections, the distribution of seats will be based on the Sainte-Laguë/Schepers calculation method, which ensures a fair distribution of seats based on the votes cast. The distribution of seats is regulated by a larger number of votes if the applicants have the same high standards. This transparency in the election helps to create fair conditions and gives hope that active participation will also lead to lively discussions and fair competition, which may enable the Erding Now voting community to achieve the desired success.

The nomination event for the candidate list is scheduled for October 2025, and the board is excited to have five young candidates on the advisory board. The younger team could bring a breath of fresh air into the political work of the voting community.