The election was won by the African National Congress, the incumbent governing party in the province.

The African National Congress (ANC) did not announce a premier candidate before the election.

[2] The Democratic Alliance (DA) chose Patricia Kopane, a two-term Member of Parliament and its leader in the Free State.

[4] The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) did not field a premier candidate, since the party seeks to abolish provincial governments.

[7] During the first sitting of the provincial legislature on 22 May 2019, Sisi Ntombela was re-elected as premier, while Zanele Sifuba was elected speaker, and Vusi Tshabalala was appointed chief whip.