In August 2021, he was approached by the speaker of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas with a prospect of nomination for the post of president of Estonia in the upcoming autumn election.[4] He accepted the nomination[5] and his candidacy was subsequently endorsed by both coalition parties, the Reform Party[6] and the Centre Party.[7] On 31 August 2021, Karis was elected as the president of Estonia with 72 votes.[5][8] He will assume the office on 11 October 2021.[2]