Celebrity Chef Alexander Herrmann Joins CSU Ticket for Kulmbach District Council Election

Renowned German chef Alexander Herrmann, widely recognized for his appearances on national television cooking shows, has officially entered local politics as a candidate for the Christian Social Union (CSU) in the upcoming 2026 Kulmbach district council election. Herrmann, who is originally from Kulmbach and was raised in the nearby town of Wirsberg, is listed at the 50th and final position on the party's candidate roster, as confirmed by the local CSU branch.

Herrmann's move into the political arena follows an invitation from Henry Schramm, the president of the Upper Franconia district assembly, who encouraged him to run for office. While Herrmann does not intend to pursue a career in high-level politics, he stated his focus is on strengthening regional cooperation and fostering local engagement, which aligns with his longstanding ties to the area.

The chef operates a hotel and restaurant in Wirsberg and has expanded his culinary ventures to include several establishments in Nuremberg. Herrmann has become a household name across Germany through his work as a television chef, hosting programs such as "Chefkoch TV - Lecker muss nicht teuer sein" on RTL and participating in other food-related broadcasts.

In addition to his culinary achievements, Herrmann has been active in supporting social causes. In 2023, he released a cookbook entitled "Heldenküche," which featured favorite recipes from Bavarian police officers. Proceeds from the cookbook were partly donated to the Bavarian Police Foundation, demonstrating Herrmann's commitment to community support initiatives. His efforts were recognized by Bavaria's Minister-President and CSU leader Markus Söder, who awarded him the Bavarian Order of Merit in July 2024.

Herrmann has also voiced opinions on issues affecting the hospitality sector. He was among those critical of the German government's decision to restore the full value-added tax rate on restaurant services in 2024, expressing concerns about the impact on the industry and the possibility of a wave of bankruptcies among restaurateurs. Despite these positions, Herrmann maintains that his primary interest in running for the district council is to enhance dialogue within the region and to represent the interests of the local community.

The CSU's decision to place Herrmann at the end of the candidate list indicates that while his candidacy is symbolic, it underscores the party's openness to well-known personalities from outside traditional political backgrounds. Herrmann's reputation as a successful entrepreneur and media figure is expected to bring attention to local issues and encourage broader participation in municipal governance.

With the 2026 Kulmbach district council election approaching, Herrmann's involvement highlights a growing trend of prominent public figures engaging directly in regional politics. The outcome of his candidacy and the potential influence on local policy and civic life will be closely observed by both political analysts and the public.