Eva Bender wins runoff election for Region Hannover presidency

Eva Bender of the SPD has won the runoff election to become the new President of the Region Hannover. According to preliminary results, Bender secured 69.41 percent of the vote, defeating CDU candidate Dr. Oliver Junk, who received 30.59 percent. Voter turnout for the election was recorded at 42.08 percent.

Bender is elected for an eight-year term, which is scheduled to officially begin on November 1, 2026, with a formal swearing-in ceremony on November 17. In her role, she will lead the regional administration, which employs more than 3,300 people, and represent the Region Hannover, a municipal association comprising 21 cities and municipalities with over 1.2 million residents.

Her responsibilities include implementing decisions from the regional assembly and overseeing various sectors such as public transport, waste management, healthcare, social services, environmental planning, economic development, and vocational schools.