As Chancellor Friedrich Merz struggles with sinking approval ratings, the far-right AfD is gaining ground locally.
Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD candidate, expects to become the first state premier from his party in Saxony-Anhalt's September election.
Polls show the AfD leading Merz's conservatives by up to 7 points nationwide.
At a campaign event in Halberstadt, Siegmund said: "People have had enough. They want their old, safe Germany back."
Voters cite economic worries and immigration as key concerns driving support for the AfD.
Halberstadt mayor Daniel Szarata warned: "Uncertain times fuel fear."
