Scholz is a member of the Social Democrat Party (SDP), and leads a coalition that also includes the Greens and the Free Democrats Party (FDP). As final tallies were still underway, the FDP was in peril of not making the 5% cutoff required for seats in both states, which represent close to 25% of Germany's population. 

Growing unease about migration and the economy factored heavily in the outcome, with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) grabbing 34.6% in Hesse, while its sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU) scored 36.4% in Bavaria. 

Perhaps the biggest story, however, is the performance of the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Its strength has hitherto been observed in post-industrial, eastern cities. On Sunday, it managed to finish second in both Bavaria and Hesse, where Munich and Frankfurt are respectively found.

"Rarely has it been so clear: whether on migration, the economy or climate policy, people want a different politics," Jens Spahn of the conservative Christian Democrats told Reuters.  

Founded in 2013, AfD saw its tallies surge from 2018. In Hesse, it had about 18.6% of the votes compared to 13.1% five years ago. In Bavaria, support climbed from 11.6% to 16%. Polls find even stronger support nationally, with the party placing second among all Germans.