diff --git a/patroni/postgresql/__init__.py b/patroni/postgresql/__init__.py
index fc1941f8..08a2ce32 100644
--- a/patroni/postgresql/__init__.py
+++ b/patroni/postgresql/__init__.py
@@ -813,9 +813,9 @@ class Postgresql(object):
                 return app_name, True
             if sync_state == 'potential' and app_name == current:
                 # Prefer current even if not the best one any more to avoid indecisivness and spurious swaps.
-                return current, False
+                return cluster.sync.sync_standby, False
             if sync_state in ('async', 'potential'):
-                candidates.append(app_name)
+                candidates.append(member.name)
 
         if candidates:
             return candidates[0], False