Declared To be able to run as candidate for CDU leader, a person needs to be endorsed by a subdivision of the party (either the federal executive board or a state, district or local association) or the proposal by a delegate during the party convention.
Running The following people ran in the leadership election, having fulfilled the criteria to become a candidate in the convention. •
Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer — General Secretary of the CDU (2018), Minister-President of Saarland (2011–2018), Leader of the CDU Saar (2011–2018), Minister for Family and Social Affairs in Saarland (2009–2011), Minister for Education in Saarland (2007–2009), Minister for the Interior in Saarland (2000–2007), Member of Landtag of Saarland (1999–2018), Member of Bundestag (1998). •
Jörg Paulusch – City councillor of — Member of the Scientific Advisory Council on Biodiversity and Genetic Resources of the
Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture and Member of the Sixth Advisory Council of the
Federal Academy for Security Policy •
Angela Merkel — Chancellor (2005–2021), Leader of the Opposition (2002–2005), CDU Leader (2000–today), General Secretary of the CDU (1998–2000), Federal Minister for Environment (1994–1998), Federal Minister for Youth and Women (1991–1994), Member of Bundestag (1990–today)
Declined •
Daniel Günther — Minister-President of Schleswig-Holstein (2017–today), Leader of the CDU Schleswig-Holstein (2016–today), Member of Landtag of Schleswig-Holstein (2009–today) •
Armin Laschet — Minister-President of North Rhine-Westfalia (2017–2021), Deputy Leader of the CDU (2012–2021), Leader of the CDU North Rhine-Westfalia (2012–201), Opposition Leader in North Rhine-Westfalia (2010–2017), Member of Landtag of North Rhine-Westfalia (2010–2021), Minister for Social Affairs in North-Rhine Westfalia (2005–2010), Member of European Parliament (1999–2005), Member of Bundestag (1994–1999) •
Ursula von der Leyen — Minister for Defence (2013–2019), Deputy Leader of the CDU (2009–2019), Minister for Social Affairs (2009–2013), Member of Bundestag (2009–2019), Minister for Family (2005–2009), Minister for Social Affairs in
Lower Saxony (2003–2005), Member of Landtag of Lower Saxony (2003–2005) •
Wolfgang Schäuble — President of Bundestag (2017–2023), Minister for Finances (2009–2017), Minister of the Interior (2005–2009, 1989–1991), Leader of the CDU (1998–2000), Parliamentary Leader of the CDU (1991–2000), Chief of the Chancellery (1984–1989), Member of Bundestag (1972–2023)
Endorsements == Opinion polling ==