# Mikl-Leitner to Lead ÖVP in 2028 State Election

October 8, 2026 at 07:07 PM

> The Lower Austrian ÖVP has unanimously confirmed Johanna Mikl-Leitner as its top candidate for the upcoming regional election in 2028.

The [Lower Austrian](<https://austriareport.com/entity/lower-austria-q42497>) [ÖVP](<https://austriareport.com/entity/austrian-people-s-party-q186867>) state party executive board unanimously approved its state list on Thursday, naming [Johanna Mikl-Leitner](<https://austriareport.com/entity/johanna-mikl-leitner-q87130>) as the lead candidate for the January 2028 election. The top team includes **Stephan Pernkopf** and **Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister**.

The party will maintain its existing preferential voting model at the regional level, featuring a 5 percent bonus for incumbent members. State party manager Matthias Zauner confirmed the lineup, which also includes Karl Wilfing and several other key members.

Following a 39.93 percent vote share in 2023, the ÖVP is focusing on the Gesundheitsplan 2040+ reform package. Additionally, a new business task force has been established to accelerate permit procedures as the party prepares to face the rival FPÖ again.


#OVP [#LowerAustria](<https://austriareport.com/hashtag/loweraustria>) #MiklLeitner [#AustrianPolitics](<https://austriareport.com/hashtag/austrianpolitics>) #Election2028

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