Communal Elections in Lower Bavaria: New Leadership in Landshut and Passau

Communal elections in Lower Bavaria are set to bring new leadership to several key cities and districts. The elections will determine the future direction of municipalities across the region, with notable contests in Landshut, Passau, Dingolfing-Landau, and Freyung-Grafenau.

Landshut: A Competitive Mayoral Race

The city of Landshut is seeking a successor to Alexander Putz, who won the 2016 election as a member of the FDP, later joining the CSU. A total of ten candidates are vying for the mayoral position as reported by Bayerischer Rundfunk.

Passau and Deggendorf: Incumbents Seek Re-election

In Passau, Jürgen Dupper, the current mayor, has decided not to seek re-election, opening the door for eight candidates to compete for the position. Meanwhile, in Deggendorf, Christian Moser (CSU), who has been in office since 2012, is running for another six-year term according to the Bavarian City Council.

District Administrator Elections: Challenges and Continuity

The Landkreis Landshut is also searching for a new district administrator, as Peter Dreier (Freie Wähler) is not running for re-election. Ruth Müller, a SPD-Landtagsabgeordnete and former Generalsekretärin of the Bayern-SPD, is among the candidates.

In Dingolfing-Landau, Werner Bumeder (CSU) faces a challenge from Stephan Protschka, the AfD state leader, in the district administrator election. Notably, both candidates reside in the same town, Mamming.

Dingolfing itself will have a new mayor after Armin Grassinger (UWG) resigned in November 2025 citing hostility and threats. Five candidates are competing to succeed him.

Uncontested Races and Relaxed Elections

Olaf Heinrich (CSU), the mayor of Freyung and President of the Lower Bavarian District Council since 2013, is running unopposed. Ronny Raith (CSU), the district administrator of Regen, also faces a relatively relaxed election as he was only elected in October 2023, and the district is one of eight in Bavaria without a new district administrator appointment needed.

Straubing-Bogen and Freyung-Grafenau: Changes and Challenges

The Landkreis Straubing-Bogen will also see a new Landrat, as Josef Laumer (CSU) is stepping down after nearly 18 years in office. Four candidates are competing for his position. In Freyung-Grafenau, Sebastian Gruber (CSU) faces a competitor, Sigrid Bartl, representing Alliance 90/The Greens.

These communal elections represent a significant moment for Lower Bavaria, with voters poised to shape the future leadership of their communities.