Bökenkröger triumphs in Bad Oeynhausen: Mayor without a runoff!

Bökenkröger triumphs in Bad Oeynhausen: Mayor without a runoff!

In Bad Oeynhausen, the mayoral election on September 14, 2025 caused a sensation. Lars Bökenkröger from the CDU prevailed with a clear victory and 54.7 percent of the votes. This means he wins the election without the need for a runoff, which brings relief within his political ranks. Deputy Mayor Helke Nolte-Ernsting describes the celebration at the “Bayernglück” inn as “aspirational”, even if the mood remains relaxed and celebratory. Bökenkröger will start his new job at half past eight next day.

Voter turnout was 54.3 percent, which still leaves potential for future elections. Bökenkröger was able to prevail against a colorful mix of five candidates. Behind him were Henrike Diestelhorst from the SPD with 19.0 percent and Michael Grove from the AfD with 15.7 percent. Thomas Paul Hermann Schmidt from the Greens and Andreas Korff from the BBO voter group rounded out the field of candidates. The Westfalen Zeitung reports this in its article, which also mentions the development of Bad Oeynhausen as an important health resort that emerged from a thermal spring in the 19th century. The renowned Heart and Diabetes Center of North Rhine-Westphalia is based here.

Jubilation and disappointment at the election victory

At “Bayernglück” no music is played during the celebration; Instead, those present watch the European Basketball Championship, while Germany triumphs in the final and wins with 88:83 points. The jubilation over the sporting success almost drowns out the celebrations of Bökenkröger's political victory. While his supporters are happy about the outcome in the hall, SPD candidate Henrike Diestelhorst is sitting in the “printing shop” and has to deal with the disappointment of missing the runoff election. Your party colleagues reflect on the election defeat in the beer garden and are disappointed by the clear result.

Lars Bökenkröger's success is seen as a surprise, even within his own party. The CDU remains the “number one local party” in North Rhine-Westphalia, as Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst emphasized. However, the question remains as to how the other parties will react to this landslide victory. Above all, the SPD's poor performance has caused unrest; Bärbel Bas, the Federal Labor Minister and SPD leader, sees the result as a sign that a downward trend could not be stopped.

The political outlook

With over 121,000 guests in 2018, Bad Oeynhausen recorded a record visit for 45 years. This development is also reflected in the political landscape. After the election Sunday, there are signs of change and the pressure on the Social Democrats is growing. Felix Banaszak, federal leader of the Green Party, announces that his party will continue to advocate for fair and ecological policies and is hoping for a runoff election in many cities. But the CDU in Bad Oeynhausen seems to have a good hand for the time being.