Saalfeld-Rudolstadt I is an electoral constituency (German: Wahlkreis) represented in the Landtag of Thuringia. It elects one member via first-past-the-post voting. Under the current constituency numbering system, it is designated as constituency 28. It covers the western part of Saalfeld-Rudolstadt.
Saalfeld-Rudolstadt I was created for the 1994 state election. Originally named Schwarzakreis I, it was renamed after the 1994 election. Since 2024, it has been represented by Thomas Benninghaus of Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Geography As of the 2019 state election, Saalfeld-Rudolstadt I covers the western part of Saalfeld-Rudolstadt, specifically the municipalities of Allendorf, Bad Blankenburg, Bechstedt, Cursdorf, Deesbach, Döschnitz, Katzhütte, Königsee, Meura, Rohrbach, Rudolstadt (excluding Ammelstädt, Breitenherda, Eschdorf, Geitersdorf, Haufeld, Heilsberg, Milbitz, Remda, Sundremda, Teichel, Teichröda, and Treppendorf), Saalfeld/Saale (only Wittgendorf), Schwarzatal, Schwarzburg, Sitzendorf, and Unterweißbach.
Members The constituency was held by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) from its creation in 1994 until 2014, during which time it was represented by Gert Wunderlich (1994–2004), Gerhard Günther (2004–2014), and Herbert Wirkner (2014–2019).
Since 2019, it is held by Alternative for Germany, initially represented by Karlheinz Frosch, and following the 2024 election by Thomas Benninghaus.
Election Member Party % 1994 Gert Wunderlich CDU 42.0 1999 49.3 2004 Gerhard Günther CDU 44.0 2009 36.4 2014 Herbert Wirkner CDU 38.8 2019 Karlheinz FroschAfD 29.1 2024 Thomas Benninghaus 37.5
Election results 2024 election
2019 election
2014 election
2009 election
2004 election
1999 election
1994 election
References