[1] The incumbent government of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and The Greens retained its majority.

However, Mayor and SPD leader Jens Böhrnsen resigned due to his party's poor performance, which was significantly below expectations.

[3] Following the election in 2011, the Social Democrats and Greens continued their coalition government from the previous legislative period.

The composition changed several times since the last election following the death of Renate Möbius, later Martin Korol took her place in the SPD caucus.

To be allocated seats from either Bremen or Bremerhaven a party must receive 5% of the vote or more in the respective city.