The outgoing government was a coalition of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and The Greens led by Minister-President Hans Eichel.

The opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) returned as the largest party despite small losses.

The SPD lost two seats, but the governing coalition was overall returned with a slightly increased majority due to gains made by the Greens.

Hans Eichel was re-elected as Minister-President at the start of April.

The table below lists parties represented in the previous Landtag of Hesse.