The upcoming Landtag election in Rheinland-Pfalz on March 22, 2026, is poised for significant shifts in political power, according to recent polls. While the SPD, which has led the state for 34 years, faces a considerable decline, the AfD is projected to make substantial gains, potentially surpassing the SPD for the first time. Ministerpräsident Alexander Schweitzer, leading the SPD after Malu Dreyer's resignation in summer 2024, remains personally popular, but this is not translating into party support. The Greens are struggling to achieve double-digit results, and parties like the Freie Wähler, FDP, and BSW are at risk of failing to clear the 5% hurdle. Polls from Infratest dimap (January 2026) and Insa (October 2025) indicate these trends, with the AfD's lead candidate Jan Bollinger expected to achieve double-digit growth.