AfD Wins Most Votes in Saxony-Anhalt State Election

AfD supporters expressed jubilation with a sign featuring top candidate Ulrich Siegmund following the initial results of the Saxony-Anhalt state election at the party’s election night event in Magdeburg, Germany, on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026.

The far-right, anti-immigrant political party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), has received the highest number of votes in the regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, according to exit polls. These polls indicate that AfD is significantly ahead of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Nevertheless, it is still uncertain if AfD will secure enough seats for a majority in the state parliament.

Exit polls from German public broadcasters ARD and ZDF suggest that AfD is expected to capture between 44.1% and 44.5% of the vote. The Christian Democratic Union is projected to receive only 18.5%. The AfD’s result is a substantial increase from its 20.8% share in the 2021 regional election. If these projections hold true, it means the CDU’s voter base has dwindled, while AfD’s has doubled.

A victory enabling AfD to form a government would mark an unprecedented event in Germany’s postwar era, as no far-right party has ever governed a state. Currently, AfD’s influence is growing beyond eastern Germany. Federally, the party is also polling in the lead.

AfD federal leader Alice Weidel, during an interview with public broadcaster ZDF, boldly predicted the end of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative reign, asserting AfD’s growth in Saxony-Anhalt foreshadows further expansions in East Germany and at the national level.

Ulrich Siegmund, at the forefront of AfD’s success in Saxony-Anhalt, is a 35-year-old with a prior career in marketing. He maintains a friendly demeanor but advocates for radical policies. His appearance in videos often features a neatly pressed white polo or dress shirt, which portrays the newly professional image of the far-right in Germany. Despite his pleasant appearance, Siegmund has a rigid stance on immigration, advocating for mass deportations.

Siegmund’s campaign emphasized significant revisions in migration, education policy, changes to public broadcasting, and nurturing ties with Russia and the MAGA movement in the United States. Following the election results, Siegmund stated, “We have written history.” He also credited Chancellor Friedrich Merz, acknowledging his role as an effective campaign figure for AfD.

This story is still unfolding and will be updated as more information becomes available.