Hill-Lewis tells DA team he might run for party leader

Scrolla | 04.02.2026 21:51

By Dylan Bettencourt

  • Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis told his team in a WhatsApp message he is thinking about running for DA leader.
  • DA leader John Steenhuisen pulled out two months before the conference and Hill-Lewis had previously said he would not run.

Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is seriously considering running for leader of the Democratic Alliance.

This comes after DA leader John Steenhuisen announced on Wednesday that he will not seek re-election at the party’s congress in April.

Hill-Lewis sent a WhatsApp message to his team that was seen by the Sunday Times. In the message, he said he is thinking about running for the top position.

He told his caucus he wants to remain as Cape Town mayor even if he becomes party leader.

“This is the DA’s biggest government and our strongest platform. And I still feel very inspired by our mission in Cape Town. And you are quite a lekker bunch of people to work with,” Hill-Lewis said in the message.

Hill-Lewis had previously told people that he would not run against Steenhuisen because they are friends.

But minutes after Steenhuisen’s announcement, Hill-Lewis told his team he had already started getting calls and texts asking about his intentions.

“Before I answer anyone else I need to speak to you first. I want you to know that I am seriously considering today’s announcement and my next steps,” he said.

Hill-Lewis is now the favourite to win the leadership race.

The Sunday Times reported in December that Steenhuisen’s departure was coming. There was a strong lobby for Hill-Lewis to take over the party.

DA sources said the party was facing pressure from funders about Steenhuisen’s leadership style.

One source said Hill-Lewis would “beat John hands down” if he ran.

“Look, GHL has always been considered a prince in the DA, and at some point a prince has to be king,” the source said.

After Steenhuisen pulled out, Hill-Lewis praised him on X. He said Steenhuisen deserved “honour and recognition” for steering the party over six years.

“He took over at a very difficult time for the party, but he steadied the ship, got the DA focused again, and returned us to growth in 2024,” Hill-Lewis said.

Pictured above: Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

Image source: @geordinhl