diff --git a/changelog.d/19321.bugfix b/changelog.d/19321.bugfix
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..9292ca5ebf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changelog.d/19321.bugfix
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Fix joining a restricted v12 room locally when no local room creator is present but local users with sufficient power levels are. Contributed by @nexy7574.
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/synapse/handlers/event_auth.py b/synapse/handlers/event_auth.py
index 4f2657bba8..daa8dd5eba 100644
--- a/synapse/handlers/event_auth.py
+++ b/synapse/handlers/event_auth.py
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ class EventAuthHandler:
             if len(local_creators) > 0:
                 chosen_user = local_creators.pop()  # random creator
                 user_power_level = CREATOR_POWER_LEVEL
-        else:
+        if chosen_user is None:
             chosen_user = max(
                 local_users_in_room,
                 key=lambda user: users.get(user, users_default_level),