On balance. I think this is a coincidence. It's about between one and two times the normal expected number of deaths so I think it's a coincidence, but who knows.
Anyway, here's is my response from grok when I asked is it true:
Yes, according to multiple sources, seven Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) candidates have died in the weeks leading up to the local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, scheduled for September 14, 2025. These deaths include five direct candidates and two reserve candidates, occurring within a roughly two-week period. The candidates named in reports include Wolfgang Seitz (59), Ralph Lange (66), Stefan Berendes (59), Wolfgang Klinger (71), Hans-Joachim Kind (80), René Herford, and Patrick Tietze. Causes of death, where specified, include natural causes such as heart attacks or pre-existing health conditions (e.g., liver disease leading to kidney failure), and one case of suicide. German police and authorities have consistently stated there is no evidence of foul play in these deaths.[](https://www.hungarianconservative.com/articles/current/afd-candidate-death-local-election-nrw-germany-no-crime/)[](https://www.thefrank.com/article/7-german-afd-candidates-die-before-election)[](https://harici.com.tr/en/six-afd-politicians-die-in-north-rhine-westphalia-ahead-of-local-elections/)
However, the timing and number of deaths have fueled speculation and conspiracy theories online, amplified by AfD co-leader Alice Weidel and others, such as retired economist Stefan Homburg, who called the deaths "statistically almost impossible." Despite this, AfD’s North Rhine-Westphalia deputy leader, Kay Gottschalk, has urged caution, stating there is no evidence to support suspicions of foul play and emphasizing the need for sensitive investigations to avoid conspiracy theories.[](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/germany-afd-candidates-dead-election-b2819180.html)[](https://www.newsweek.com/far-right-german-afd-candidates-die-before-election-north-rhine-westphalia-2123763)[](https://harici.com.tr/en/six-afd-politicians-die-in-north-rhine-westphalia-ahead-of-local-elections/)
Additionally, reports indicate that the deaths are not exclusive to AfD, as a total of 16 candidates from various parties, including the SPD, FDP, Greens, and others, have also died during this election period. Election officials have noted that with approximately 20,000 candidates running for seats in North Rhine-Westphalia, the number of deaths is within expected statistical ranges and not significantly higher than in previous campaigns.[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15066079/Mystery-SIXTEEN-German-politicians-die-stand-state-elections-sparking-wild-conspiracy-theories.html)[](https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/german-authorities-dismiss-speculations-after-7-far-right-candidates-die-before-local-elections/3678181)[](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/germanys-afd-no-evidence-unnatural-112933593.html)
While the deaths of the seven AfD candidates are confirmed, the lack of evidence for foul play and the broader context of candidate deaths across parties suggest no targeted conspiracy against AfD, despite online speculation. Always approach such claims critically, as political narratives can distort perceptions, especially during heated election periods.
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