After the restoration of the NSDAP by Adolf Hitler on 26 February 1925, Strasser became the first "Gauleiter" of Lower Bavaria. Because Strasser led up to 2,000 men in Landshut and was overworked, he began looking for an assistant. Heinrich Himmler, who obtained the job, was tasked with expanding the organization in Lower Bavaria. In December 1926, Strasser's "Gau" merged with that of the Upper Palatinate and Strasser headed the enlarged "Gau". After a subsequent partition on 1 October 1928, the Upper Palatinate was taken over by Adolf Wagner while Strasser continued as "Gauleiter" of Lower Bavaria until 1 March 1929.