It was formed after the resignation of Minister-President Volker Bouffier, and was a continuation of the coalition government of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Alliance 90/The Greens (GRÜNE) formed after the 2018 Hessian state election.

In February 2022, Bouffier announced his resignation and intention to leave office at the end of May.

[1] He nominated Boris Rhein, President of the Landtag and former minister in Bouffier's second cabinet, as his successor.

Shortly after, Rhein was unanimously confirmed by a CDU party conference.

[2] Rhein was elected as Minister-President by the Landtag on 31 May 2022, winning 74 votes out of 137 cast.