Prominent candidates include former Green party chief Omid Nouripour, Federal Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD), and former Federal Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP).

This election was advanced from its original date of September 28, 2025, following the collapse of the coalition government in Berlin in November 2024.

Due to recent electoral reforms, it is estimated that fewer than 50 representatives from Hessen will be elected, which may affect candidates who win the most votes but do not secure a seat.

Approximately 4.3 million eligible voters in Hessen will cast their votes across 421 municipalities in 22 electoral districts.

Polling stations opened at 8:00 AM and will remain open until 6:00 PM, allowing voters ample time to participate.

Voters are also considering the potential success of smaller parties, including the FDP and BSW, as well as the strength of the Left Party in this election.

Interior Minister Roman Poseck has reported significant vandalism of election posters by extreme groups, highlighting the need for civil discourse during political debates.

Each voter has two votes: a first vote for a candidate in their local electoral district and a second vote for a party's state list.

Current polling suggests the CDU is likely to regain most electoral districts in Hesse, with the SPD leading only in four northern districts.

The Bundestagswahl in Hessen is taking place today, February 23, 2025, following a shortened winter campaign due to the early election date.

Mail-in voting has been available without special justification since 2008, leading to an increase in mail-in voters, although there is a push for in-person voting this election.

The mail-in voting rate was 51% during the 2021 election, reflecting a sustained interest in this voting method even post-pandemic.