FDP relies on Daniela Schmitt: top candidate for the 2026 state elections!

FDP relies on Daniela Schmitt: top candidate for the 2026 state elections!

With Daniela Schmitt, the Rhineland-Palatinate FDP has sent a clear message for the upcoming state elections in March 2026. At the most recent state representative meeting in Speyer, Schmitt, the economics minister and yesterday's top candidate, prevailed with overwhelming support: 151 of the 193 votes were in her favour. There were only 36 votes against and 6 abstentions, which ensures her undisputed support within the party. Schmitt stood for election unopposed, which also speaks for the support she enjoys.

But her election was not the only central issue. In her application speech, Schmitt emphasized the necessary modernization of education policy and a more dynamic construction industry - both areas that she considers essential to mastering the challenges of the future. Together with the support of federal party leader Christian Dürr, who motivated the FDP for the election campaign, Schmitt wants to build on the successes of the past and advance liberal politics. Schmitt, who was elected state leader in April with 67.5 percent, succeeded Volker Wissing, who left the party after the traffic light government broke.

Challenges for the Liberals

Despite the strong start, the FDP in Rhineland-Palatinate is faced with challenges. Current polls show the party's worrying support of just three percentage points. This could jeopardize his return to the state parliament. However, Steven Wink, the group leader, expressed optimism and emphasized the constructive and motivated atmosphere within the party. He is aiming for third place on the state list, while Justice Minister Philipp Fernis is running for second place.

Daniela Schmitt and Fernis managed to create unity within the party before internal tensions escalated. Their cooperation could be crucial to keeping the FDP on track. The election program, which is to be adopted at an extraordinary party conference on November 22nd, will focus on key issues such as job security, housing construction and a strong economic location. Because time is of the essence - the next state election on March 22, 2026 is just around the corner, and the delegates know that they have to make their concerns known to numerous voters.

A look into the future

The Rhineland-Palatinate FDP has already had experience with difficult election campaigns in the past - it only won 5.5 percent of the votes in the 2021 state election. Schmitt, who was unanimously nominated as the top candidate in 2020, is aware of the challenging situation and wants to convince with fresh ideas and a clear focus on the needs of citizens.

The next few months will be crucial for the FDP. The upcoming party conference promises an interesting stage for political discourse and the adoption of the electoral program, a gamble that could influence the success or failure of the next elections. Observers are curious to see whether the Liberals can overcome their cautious poll numbers and what role Schmitt will play in this.

For the Rhineland-Palatinate FDP, the goal remains clear: to return to the state parliament and to strengthen liberal politics in Mainz with a modern and appealing election program that takes into account the challenges of our time.

For more information about the election and the candidates, visit n-tv, SWR and World.