Klaus Wowereit (born October 1, 1953 in West Berlin) is a German politician, member of the SPD (Social Democratic Party), and has been the mayor of Berlin since the 2001 state elections, winning 31.4% of the votes. He served as President of the Bundesrat in 2001/02. His SPD-led coalition was re-elected in the 2006 elections. He is also sometimes mentioned as a possible SPD candidate for the Chancellorship of Germany (Kanzlerkandidat), though his chances have diminished after his decision to enter into a coalition with the socialist Left Party for a second term. Wowereit has publicly ruled out such a move, supporting Kurt Beck for the role of "Kanzlerkandidat".