Incumbent premier Helen Zille of the Democratic Alliance (DA) was term-limited and could not seek a third term.

[3][4] On 18 April 2015, incumbent Democratic Alliance Provincial Leader Ivan Meyer announced that he would not seek re-election.

[5][6][7] In January 2016, allegations of sexual harassment were made against African National Congress Provincial Chairperson Marius Fransman by his former assistant, Louisa Wynand.

Fransman was suspended as Provincial Chairperson in February 2016, and expelled from the African National Congress in November 2016.

[8][9] In February 2017, Patricia de Lille resigned as Provincial Leader of the Democratic Alliance in order to focus on her mayorship.

[10][11][12][13] Throughout 2017 and 2018, the Democratic Alliance accused Patricia de Lille of maladministration and covering up corruption in the City of Cape Town.

[17] In August 2018, Patricia de Lille announced that she would resign as Mayor of Cape Town, effective on 31 October 2018.

[18][19] In September 2018, The Democratic Alliance selected Alan Winde as the party's Western Cape Premier candidate.

[20] In October 2018, Patricia de Lille resigned as both Mayor of Cape Town and member of the Democratic Alliance.

Provincial-Secretary Faiez Jacobs and acting Provincial Chairperson Khaya Magaxa both declared that they would not contest the elective conference.

[33][34] The Economic Freedom Fighters Leader Julius Malema announced on 2 February 2019 that the party would not field any premier candidates.