2002 United States gubernatorial elections explained

Election Name:2002 United States gubernatorial elections
Country:United States
Type:legislative
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:2001 United States gubernatorial elections
Previous Year:2001
Next Election:2003 United States gubernatorial elections
Next Year:2003
Seats For Election:38 governorships
36 states; 2 territories
Election Date:November 5, 2002
1Blank:Seats up
2Blank:Seats won
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Seats Before1:27
Seats After1:26
Seat Change1: 1
Popular Vote1:30,843,168
Percentage1:49.37%
1Data1:23
2Data1:22
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Seats Before2:21
Seats After2:24
Seat Change2: 3
Popular Vote2:27,777,088
Percentage2:44.47%
1Data2:11
2Data2:14
Party4:Independent (United States)
Seats Before4:1
Seats After4:0
Seat Change4: 1
Popular Vote4:524,973
Percentage4:0.84%
1Data4:1
2Data4:0
Party5:Independence Party of Minnesota
Seats Before5:1
Seats After5:0
Seat Change5: 1
Popular Vote5:364,534
Percentage5:0.58%
1Data5:1
2Data5:0
Map Size:320px

United States gubernatorial elections were held on November 5, 2002, in 36 states and two territories. The Republicans won eight seats previously held by the Democrats, as well as the seat previously held by Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura, who was elected on the Reform Party ticket but had since renounced his party affiliation. The Democrats won 10 seats previously held by the Republicans, as well as the seat previously held by Maine governor Angus King, an independent. The elections were held concurrently with the other United States elections of 2002.

Overall, the Republicans suffered a net loss of one seat while the Democrats made a net gain of three. The Republicans managed to maintain their majority of state governorships, but it was reduced to a margin of only two seats. The elections were notable for the sheer number of state governorships that changed parties – 20 in total, constituting more than half of the seats up for election. Additionally, a number of Democratic and Republican gains occurred in states that typically favor the other party; for instance, Republican candidates won the usually Democratic states of Maryland, Hawaii, Minnesota and Vermont, while Democratic governors were elected in Republican-leaning states like Wyoming, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Kansas.

As of, this election marks the most recent cycle in which Colorado or New York elected a Republican governor.

Election ratings

StateIncumbentLast
race
Sabato
[1]
Cook
[2]
Result
Alabama data-sort-value=-57.9 57.9% D data-sort-value=49.2 Riley
(49.2%)
Alaska
data-sort-value=-51.3 51.3% D data-sort-value=55.8 Murkowski
(55.8%)
Arizona
data-sort-value=60.9 60.9% R data-sort-value=-46.2 Napolitano
(46.2%)
Arkansas data-sort-value=59.8 59.7% R data-sort-value=53.0 Huckabee
(53.0%)
California data-sort-value=-58.0 58.0% D data-sort-value=-47.3 Davis
(47.3%)
Colorado data-sort-value=49.1 49.1% R data-sort-value=62.8 Owens
(62.8%)
Connecticut data-sort-value=62.9 62.9% R data-sort-value=56.1 Rowland
(56.1%)
Florida data-sort-value=55.3 55.3% R data-sort-value=56.0 Bush
(56.0%)
Georgia data-sort-value=-52.5 52.5% D data-sort-value=51.4 Perdue
(51.4%)
Hawaii
data-sort-value=-50.1 50.1% D data-sort-value=51.6 Lingle
(51.6%)
Idaho data-sort-value=67.7 67.7% R data-sort-value=56.3 Kempthorne
(56.3%)
Illinois
data-sort-value=51.0 51.0% R data-sort-value=-52.2 Blagojevich
(52.2%)
Iowa data-sort-value=-52.3 52.3% D data-sort-value=-52.7 Vilsack
(52.7%)
Kansas
data-sort-value=73.4 73.4% R data-sort-value=-52.9 Sebelius
(52.9%)
Maine
data-sort-value=58.6 58.6% I data-sort-value=-47.2 Baldacci
(47.2%)
Maryland data-sort-value=-55.1 55.1% D data-sort-value=51.6 Ehrlich
(51.6%)
Massachusetts
data-sort-value=50.0 50.0% R data-sort-value=49.8 Romney
(49.8%)
Michigan
data-sort-value=62.2 62.2% R data-sort-value=-51.4 Granholm
(51.4%)
Minnesota
data-sort-value=37.0 37.0% Re data-sort-value=44.4 Pawlenty
(44.4%)
Nebraska data-sort-value=53.9 53.9% R data-sort-value=68.7 Johanns
(68.7%)
Nevada data-sort-value=51.6 51.6% R data-sort-value=68.2 Guinn
(68.2%)
New Hampshire
data-sort-value=-48.8 48.8% D data-sort-value=58.6 Craig Benson
(58.6%)
New Mexico
data-sort-value=54.5 54.5% R data-sort-value=-55.5 Richardson
(55.5%)
New York data-sort-value=54.3 54.3% R data-sort-value=49.4 Pataki
(49.4%)
Ohio data-sort-value=50.0 50.0% R data-sort-value=57.8 Taft
(57.8%)
Oklahoma
data-sort-value=57.3 57.3% R data-sort-value=-43.3 Henry
(43.3%)
Oregon
data-sort-value=-64.4 64.4% D data-sort-value=-49.0 Kulongoski
(49.0%)
Pennsylvania
data-sort-value=57.4 57.4% R data-sort-value=-63.4 Rendell
(53.4%)
Rhode Island
data-sort-value=51.0 51.0% R data-sort-value=54.8 Carcieri
(54.8%)
South Carolina data-sort-value=53.2 53.2% D data-sort-value=52.9 Sanford
(52.9%)
South Dakota
data-sort-value=64.0 64.0% R data-sort-value=56.8 Rounds
(56.8%)
Tennessee
data-sort-value=68.8 68.8% R data-sort-value=-50.7 Bredesen
(50.7%)
Texas data-sort-value=68.2 68.2% R data-sort-value=57.8 Perry
(57.8%)
Vermont
data-sort-value=-50.5 50.5% D data-sort-value=44.9 Douglas
(44.9%)
Wisconsin data-sort-value=59.7 59.7% R data-sort-value=-45.1 Doyle
(45.1%)
Wyoming
data-sort-value=55.6 55.66 R data-sort-value=-50.0 Freudenthal
(50.0%)

Race Summary

States

StateIncumbentPartyFirst
elected
ResultCandidates
AlabamaDon SiegelmanDemocratic1998Incumbent lost re-election.
New governor elected.
Republican gain.
nowrap
AlaskaTony KnowlesDemocratic1994Incumbent term-limited.
New governor elected.
Republican gain.
nowrap
ArizonaJane Dee HullRepublican1997Incumbent term-limited.
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
ArkansasMike HuckabeeRepublican1996Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
CaliforniaGray DavisDemocratic1998Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
  • Gray Davis (Democratic) 47.3%
  • Bill Simon (Republican) 42.4%
  • Peter Camejo (Green) 5.3%
  • Gary Copeland (Libertarian) 2.2%
  • Reinhold Gulke (American Independent) 1.7%
  • Iris Adam (Natural Law) 1.2%
ColoradoBill OwensRepublican1998Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
  • Bill Owens (Republican) 62.6%
  • Rollie Heath (Democratic) 33.6%
  • Ronald Forthofer (Green) 2.3%
  • Ralph Shnelvar (Libertarian) 1.4%
ConnecticutJohn G. RowlandRepublican1994Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
FloridaJeb BushRepublican1998Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
GeorgiaRoy BarnesDemocratic1998Incumbent lost re-election.
New governor elected.
Republican gain.
nowrap
HawaiiBen CayetanoDemocratic1994Incumbent term-limited.
New governor elected.
Republican gain.
nowrap
IdahoDirk KempthorneRepublican1998Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
  • Dirk Kempthorne (Republican) 56.3%
  • Jerry Brady (Democratic) 41.7%
  • Daniel Adams (Libertarian) 2.0%
IllinoisGeorge RyanRepublican1998Incumbent retired.
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
IowaTom VilsackDemocratic1998Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
  • Tom Vilsack (Democratic) 52.7%
  • Doug Gross (Republican) 44.5%
  • Jay Robinson (Green) 1.4%
  • Clyde Cleveland (Libertarian) 1.3%
KansasBill GravesRepublican1994Incumbent term-limited.
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
MaineAngus KingIndependent1994Incumbent term-limited.
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
MarylandParris GlendeningDemocratic1994Incumbent term-limited.
New governor elected.
Republican gain.
nowrap
MassachusettsJane SwiftRepublican2001Incumbent retired.
New governor elected.
Republican hold.
nowrap
MichiganJohn EnglerRepublican1990Incumbent term-limited.
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
MinnesotaJesse VenturaIndependence1998Incumbent retired.
New governor elected.
Republican gain.
nowrap
  • Tim Pawlenty (Republican) 44.4%
  • Roger Moe (Democratic) 36.5%
  • Tim Penny (Independence) 16.2%
  • Ken Pentel (Green) 2.3%
NebraskaMike JohannsRepublican1998Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
  • Mike Johanns (Republican) 68.7%
  • Stormy Dean (Democratic) 27.5%
  • Paul A. Rosberg (Nebraska) 3.8%
NevadaKenny GuinnRepublican1998Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
  • Kenny Guinn (Republican) 68.2%
  • Joe Neal (Democratic) 22.0%
  • Dick Geyer (Libertarian) 1.6%
  • David G. Holmgren (Independent American) 1.4%
  • Jerry L. Norton (Independent) 1.1%
New HampshireJeanne ShaheenDemocratic1996Incumbent retired to run for U.S. Senator.
New governor elected.
Republican gain.
nowrap
New MexicoGary JohnsonRepublican1994Incumbent term-limited.
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
  • Bill Richardson (Democratic) 55.5%
  • John Sanchez (Republican) 39.0%
  • David Bacon (Green) 5.5%
New YorkGeorge PatakiRepublican1994Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
  • George Pataki (Republican) 49.4%
  • Carl McCall (Democratic) 33.5%
  • Tom Golisano (Independence) 14.3%
  • Gerald Cronin (Right to Life) 1.0%
OhioBob TaftRepublican1998Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
  • Bob Taft (Republican) 57.8%
  • Tim Hagan (Democratic) 38.3%
  • John Eastman (Independent) 3.9%
OklahomaFrank KeatingRepublican1994Incumbent term-limited.
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
OregonJohn KitzhaberDemocratic1994Incumbent term-limited.
New governor elected.
Democratic hold.
nowrap
PennsylvaniaMark SchweikerRepublican2001Incumbent retired.
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
  • Ed Rendell (Democratic) 53.4%
  • Mike Fisher (Republican) 44.4%
  • Ken Krawchuk (Libertarian) 1.1%
  • Mike Morrill (Green) 1.1%
Rhode IslandLincoln AlmondRepublican1994Incumbent term-limited.
New governor elected.
Republican hold.
nowrap
South CarolinaJim HodgesDemocratic1998Incumbent lost re-election.
New governor elected.
Republican gain.
nowrap
South DakotaBill JanklowRepublican1978
1986
1994
Incumbent term-limited.
New governor elected.
Republican hold.
nowrap
TennesseeDon SundquistRepublican1994Incumbent term-limited.
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
TexasRick PerryRepublican2000Incumbent elected to full term.nowrap
  • Rick Perry (Republican) 57.8%
  • Tony Sanchez (Democratic) 40.0%
  • Jeff Daiell (Libertarian) 1.5%
VermontHoward DeanDemocratic1991Incumbent retired.
New governor elected.
Republican gain.
nowrap
WisconsinScott McCallumRepublican2001Incumbent lost election to full term.
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap
WyomingJim GeringerRepublican1994Incumbent term-limited.
New governor elected.
Democratic gain.
nowrap

Territories and federal district

TerritoryIncumbentPartyFirst
elected
ResultCandidates
District of ColumbiaAnthony A. WilliamsDemocratic1998Incumbent re-elected.nowrap
GuamCarl GutierrezDemocratic1994Incumbent lost renomination.
New governor elected.
Republican gain.
nowrap
U.S. Virgin IslandsCharles TurnbullDemocratic1998Incumbent re-elected.nowrap

Closest races

States where the margin of victory was under 1%:

Alabama, 0.2%
Oklahoma, 0.7%

States where the margin of victory was under 5%:

Arizona, 1.0%
Wyoming, 2.0%
Vermont, 2.5%
Oregon, 2.9%
Tennessee, 3.1%
Wisconsin, 3.7%
Maryland, 3.9%
Michigan, 4.0%
Hawaii, 4.6%
Massachusetts, 4.8%
California, 4.9%

States where the margin of victory was under 10%:

Georgia, 5.2%
Maine, 5.7%
South Carolina, 5.9%
Arkansas, 6.1%
Illinois, 7.1%
Kansas, 7.8%
Minnesota, 7.9%
Iowa, 8.2%
Pennsylvania, 9.0%
Rhode Island, 9.5%

Alabama

Election Name:2002 Alabama gubernatorial election
Country:Alabama
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Alabama gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Alabama gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Bob Riley
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:672,225
Percentage1:49.2%
Nominee2:Don Siegelman
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:669,105
Percentage2:48.9%
Governor
Before Election:Don Siegelman
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Bob Riley
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 Alabama gubernatorial election was held on November 5. The race pitted incumbent Governor Don Siegelman, a Democrat, against Representative Bob Riley, a Republican, and Libertarian nominee John Sophocleus. As of 2023, this is the last time the Governor’s office in Alabama changed partisan control.

The result was an extremely narrow victory for Riley. The certified results showed Riley with 672,225 votes to Siegelman's 669,105, a difference of 3,120 votes, or 0.23% of the 1,367,053 votes cast. Sophocleus garnered 23,272 votes, and 2,451 votes were for write-in candidates. The close and controversial election was marked by high turnout.

Alaska

Election Name:2002 Alaska gubernatorial election
Country:Alaska
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Alaska gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Alaska gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Frank Murkowski
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Running Mate1:Loren Leman
Popular Vote1:129,279
Percentage1:55.8%
Nominee2:Fran Ulmer
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Running Mate2:Ernie Hall
Popular Vote2:94,216
Percentage2:40.7%
Map Size:325px
Governor
Before Election:Tony Knowles
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Frank Murkowski
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 Alaska gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2002, for the post of Governor of Alaska. Republican U.S. Senator Frank Murkowski defeated Democratic Lieutenant Governor Fran Ulmer. Murkowski became the first Republican elected governor of Alaska since Jay Hammond in 1978.

Arizona

Election Name:2002 Arizona gubernatorial election
Country:Arizona
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Arizona gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Arizona gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Janet Napolitano
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:566,284
Percentage1:46.2%
Nominee2:Matt Salmon
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:554,465
Percentage2:45.2%
Nominee3:Richard Mahoney
Party3:Independent (United States)
Popular Vote3:84,947
Percentage3:6.9%
Map Size:210px
Governor
Before Election:Jane Dee Hull
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Janet Napolitano
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)
Turnout:56.33%[3]

The 2002 Arizona gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Republican Governor Jane Dee Hull was term-limited. The Democratic nominee, Arizona Attorney General Janet Napolitano, narrowly defeated Republican Matt Salmon, a former U.S. Representative. Upon her inauguration, Napolitano became the first woman to succeed another woman as Governor of a state. Until 2022, this was the last gubernatorial election in Arizona in which the margin of victory was single digits.

Arkansas

Election Name:2002 Arkansas gubernatorial election
Country:Arkansas
Flag Year:1924
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Arkansas gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Arkansas gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Image1:Mike Huckabee, August 2002 c.jpg
Nominee1:Mike Huckabee
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:427,082
Percentage1:53.01%
Nominee2:Jimmie Lou Fisher
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:378,250
Percentage2:46.95%
Map Size:200px
Governor
Before Election:Mike Huckabee
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Mike Huckabee
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 Arkansas gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2002 for the post of Governor of Arkansas. Incumbent Republican governor Mike Huckabee defeated Democratic State Treasurer Jimmie Lou Fisher.

California

Election Name:2002 California gubernatorial election
Country:California
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 California gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2003 California gubernatorial recall election
Next Year:2003 (recall)
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Turnout:36.05% 5.38pp
Image1:Gray Davis, portrait.jpg
Nominee1:Gray Davis
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:3,533,490
Percentage1:47.3%
Nominee2:Bill Simon
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:3,169,801
Percentage2:42.4%
Image3:Peter Camejo (3x4a).gif
Nominee3:Peter Camejo
Party3:Green Party of the United States
Popular Vote3:393,036
Percentage3:5.3%
Map Size:300px
Governor
Before Election:Gray Davis
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Gray Davis
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

The 2002 California gubernatorial election was an election that occurred on November 5, 2002. Democrat Gray Davis defeated Republican Bill Simon by 5% and was re-elected to a second four-year term as Governor of California. Davis would be recalled less than a year into his next term.

The 2002 gubernatorial primary occurred in March 2002. Gray Davis faced no major competitor in the primary and won the nomination. Simon defeated former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan in the Republican primary. Gray Davis ran a series of negative ads against Riordan in the primary. Riordan was seen as a moderate and early state polls showed him defeating Gray Davis in the general election.

Colorado

Election Name:2002 Colorado gubernatorial election
Country:Colorado
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Colorado gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Next Election:2006 Colorado gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Nominee1:Bill Owens
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Running Mate1:Jane E. Norton
Popular Vote1:884,583
Percentage1:62.62%
Nominee2:Rollie Heath
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Running Mate2:Bill Thiebaut
Popular Vote2:475,373
Percentage2:33.65%
Map Size:250px
Governor
Before Election:Bill Owens
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Bill Owens
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 Colorado gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002 to elect the governor of Colorado. Bill Owens, the Republican incumbent, defeated Democratic nominee Rollie Heath to win a second term. Owen's win set the record for biggest win by a Republican in a Colorado gubernatorial election (Democrats won by larger margins in 1982, 1948, and 1928, with Billy Adams' 35 point blowout in that year being the greatest victory for a candidate of any party).[4] As of, this is the last time a Republican was elected Governor of Colorado.

Connecticut

Election Name:2002 Connecticut gubernatorial election
Country:Connecticut
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Connecticut gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Next Election:2006 Connecticut gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Nominee1:John G. Rowland
Running Mate1:Jodi Rell
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:573,958
Percentage1:56.1%
Governor
Before Election:John G. Rowland
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:John G. Rowland
After Party:Republican Party (United States)
Nominee2:Bill Curry
Running Mate2:George Jepsen
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:448,984
Percentage2:43.9%

The 2002 Connecticut gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Republican Governor John G. Rowland won reelection to a third consecutive term, defeating Democrat Bill Curry. Rowland became the first Connecticut Governor to win a third term in office, but did not finish his term, resigning in 2004 due to allegations of corruption. Despite losing this election, as of 2022, Curry is the last Democratic gubernatorial candidate to carry Windham County.

Florida

Election Name:2002 Florida gubernatorial election
Country:Florida
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Florida gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Florida gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Jeb Bush
Party1:Republican Party of Florida
Running Mate1:Frank Brogan
Popular Vote1:2,856,845
Percentage1:56.0%
Nominee2:Bill McBride
Party2:Florida Democratic Party
Running Mate2:Tom Rossin
Popular Vote2:2,201,427
Percentage2:43.2%
Map Size:300px
Governor
Before Election:Jeb Bush
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Jeb Bush
After Party:Republican Party (United States)
Turnout:55.3%5.8[5]

The 2002 Florida gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2002 for the post of Governor of Florida. Incumbent Republican governor Jeb Bush defeated Democratic candidate Bill McBride. Bush became the first Republican governor of Florida to win re-election to a second term.[6] [7] This election was the last time until 2022 a Florida gubernatorial candidate won the general election by double digits or that a Republican won Miami-Dade County. This was the first time in Florida's history that a Republican Governor was re-elected.

Georgia

Election Name:2002 Georgia gubernatorial election
Country:Georgia (U.S. state)
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Georgia gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Georgia gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Flag Year:2001
Nominee1:Sonny Perdue
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:1,041,677
Percentage1:51.39%
Nominee2:Roy Barnes
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:937,062
Percentage2:46.23%
Map Size:240px
Governor
Before Election:Roy Barnes
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Sonny Perdue
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 Georgia gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Democratic Governor Roy Barnes sought re-election to a second term as governor. State Senator Sonny Perdue emerged as the Republican nominee from a crowded and hotly contested primary, and he faced off against Barnes, who had faced no opponents in his primary election, in the general election. Though Barnes had been nicknamed "King Roy" due to his unique ability to get his legislative priorities passed, he faced a backlash among Georgia voters due to his proposal to change the state flag from its Confederate design.

Ultimately, Perdue was able to defeat incumbent Governor Barnes and became the first Republican to serve as governor of the state since Reconstruction. This was only the second election that a Republican won in the state's history, the other being in 1868. The result was widely considered a major upset.[8]

Hawaii

Election Name:2002 Hawaii gubernatorial election
Country:Hawaii
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Hawaii gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Hawaii gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Linda Lingle
Running Mate1:Duke Aiona
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:197,009
Percentage1:51.6%
Nominee2:Mazie Hirono
Running Mate2:Matt Matsunaga
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:179,647
Percentage2:47.0%
Map Size:250px
Governor
Before Election:Ben Cayetano
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Linda Lingle
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 Hawaii gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002, to select the Governor of Hawaii. Incumbent Democratic Governor of Hawaii Ben Cayetano was term-limited and therefore could not run for re-election. Former Maui Mayor Linda Lingle, who had narrowly lost the 1998 election, was nominated once again by the Republicans while Lieutenant Governor Mazie Hirono earned the Democratic nomination in a tight race. Lingle and Hirono duked it out in a hard-fought campaign, with Hirono's campaign crippled by allegations of corruption within the Hawaii Democratic Party and many voters desiring a change.[9]

Ultimately Lingle defeated Hirono in a close election, making her the first Republican Governor of Hawaii elected since 1959 and the state's first-ever female governor. She was the first white governor of the state since 1970. Lingle and Hirono faced off again in Hawaii’s 2012 U.S. Senate election, where Hirono won 63% - 37%, making Lingle the first female Governor and Hirono the first female U.S. Senator in Hawaii history.

Idaho

Election Name:2002 Idaho gubernatorial election
Country:Idaho
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Idaho gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Idaho gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Dirk Kempthorne
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:231,566
Percentage1:56.3%
Nominee2:Jerry Brady
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:171,711
Percentage2:41.7%
Map Size:160px
Governor
Before Election:Dirk Kempthorne
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Dirk Kempthorne
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 Idaho gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002 to select the governor of the state of Idaho. Dirk Kempthorne, the Republican incumbent, defeated Democratic nominee Jerry Brady to win a second term, but the win was not nearly as overwhelming as Kempthorne's 1998 victory. This was the first Idaho gubernatorial election since 1978 in which the winner was of the same party as the incumbent president.

Illinois

Election Name:2002 Illinois gubernatorial election
Country:Illinois
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Illinois gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Illinois gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Rod Blagojevich
Running Mate1:Pat Quinn
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:1,847,040
Percentage1:52.2%
Image2 Size:100
Nominee2:Jim Ryan
Running Mate2:Carl Hawkinson
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:1,594,961
Percentage2:45.1%
Governor
Before Election:George Ryan
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Rod Blagojevich
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)
Turnout:50.05% 0.33 pp

The 2002 Illinois gubernatorial election occurred on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Republican governor George Ryan, who was plagued by scandal, did not run for a second term. Democrat Rod Blagojevich, a U.S. Congressman, ran against Republican Jim Ryan (no relation to the incumbent), the Illinois Attorney General. Blagojevich won 52% to 45%, becoming the first Democrat to win an election for governor since 1972. As of 2023 this is the last Illinois governor election where no candidate running was an incumbent.

Iowa

Election Name:2002 Iowa gubernatorial election
Country:Iowa
Flag Image:Flag of Iowa (xrmap collection).svg
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Iowa gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Iowa gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Tom Vilsack
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:540,449
Percentage1:52.7%
Nominee2:Doug Gross
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:456,612
Percentage2:44.5%
Map Size:240px
Governor
Before Election:Tom Vilsack
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Tom Vilsack
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

The 2002 Iowa gubernatorial election took place November 5, 2002. Incumbent Democratic Governor of Iowa Tom Vilsack sought re-election to a second term as governor. Governor Vilsack won his party's nomination uncontested, while Doug Gross, an advisor to former Governor Terry Branstad, narrowly won the Republican Party's primary in a crowded and competitive primary election. In the general election, Vilsack was able to improve slightly on his margin of victory four years earlier to win what would be his second and final term as governor.

Kansas

Election Name:2002 Kansas gubernatorial election
Country:Kansas
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Kansas gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Kansas gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Kathleen Sebelius
Running Mate1:John E. Moore
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:441,858
Percentage1:52.9%
Nominee2:Tim Shallenburger
Running Mate2:Dave Lindstrom
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:376,830
Percentage2:45.1%
Map Size:270px
Governor
Before Election:Bill Graves
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Kathleen Sebelius
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

The 2002 Kansas gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Governor Bill Graves, a Republican, was barred from seeking a third term by the Kansas Constitution. Kansas Insurance Commissioner Kathleen Sebelius, the Democratic nominee, ran against Kansas State Treasurer Tim Shallenburger, the Republican nominee, with Sebelius defeating Shallenburger to become the second female Governor of Kansas after Joan Finney who served as governor from 1991 to 1995.

Maine

Election Name:2002 Maine gubernatorial election
Country:Maine
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Maine gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Maine gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:John Baldacci
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:238,179
Percentage1:47.15%
Nominee2:Peter Cianchette
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:209,496
Percentage2:41.47%
Nominee3:Jonathan Carter
Party3:Green Party of the United States
Popular Vote3:46,903
Percentage3:9.28%

}

The 2002 Maine gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Independent Governor Angus King was term limited, and unable to seek re-election. U.S. Congressman John Baldacci won the Democratic primary uncontested, while former State Representative Peter Cianchette emerged from the Republican primary victorious. Baldacci and Cianchetti squared off in the general election, along with Green Party nominee Jonathan Carter and independent State Representative John Michael.

Ultimately, Baldacci prevailed to win what would be his first of two terms as governor. John Baldacci's win marked the first Democratic gubernatorial victory in the state since 1982.[10]

Maryland

Election Name:2002 Maryland gubernatorial election
Country:Maryland
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Turnout:61.85% 1.26%[11]
Previous Election:1998 Maryland gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Maryland gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Bob Ehrlich
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Running Mate1:Michael Steele
Popular Vote1:879,592
Percentage1:51.6%
Nominee2:Kathleen Kennedy Townsend
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Running Mate2:Charles R. Larson
Popular Vote2:813,422
Percentage2:47.7%
Map Size:295px
Governor
Before Election:Parris Glendening
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Bob Ehrlich
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 Maryland gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002. Democratic Governor Parris Glendening was term-limited and could not seek a third term. Republican Bob Ehrlich defeated Democrat Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, making him the first Republican governor of Maryland since Spiro Agnew, who served from 1967 to 1969. This was the last time Charles County voted Republican for any office.

This election marked the first time since the 1934 gubernatorial election that a Republican won Maryland without Baltimore City or Montgomery County.[12]

Massachusetts

Election Name:2002 Massachusetts gubernatorial election
Country:Massachusetts
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Massachusetts gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Massachusetts gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Turnout:55.29% 4.1 [13]
Image1:File:Mitt Romney's official gubernatorial portrait (cropped).jpg
Nominee1:Mitt Romney
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Running Mate1:Kerry Healey
Popular Vote1:1,091,988
Percentage1:49.8%
Nominee2:Shannon O'Brien
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Running Mate2:Chris Gabrieli
Popular Vote2:985,981
Percentage2:44.9%
Governor
Before Election:Jane Swift (acting)
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Mitt Romney
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Republican acting governor Jane Swift chose not to seek a full term in office. Republican businessman Mitt Romney defeated Democratic Treasurer Shannon O'Brien.

This would be the last time Mitt Romney won this state, as in 2012, he lost the state to Barack Obama by a large margin.

Michigan

Election Name:2002 Michigan gubernatorial election
Country:Michigan
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Turnout:3,177,565
Previous Election:1998 Michigan gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Michigan gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Jennifer Granholm
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Running Mate1:John Cherry
Popular Vote1:1,631,276
Percentage1:51.4%
Nominee2:Dick Posthumus
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Running Mate2:Loren Bennett
Popular Vote2:1,504,755
Percentage2:47.4%
Map Size:300px
Governor
Before Election:John Engler
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Jennifer Granholm
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

The 2002 Michigan gubernatorial election was one of the 36 United States gubernatorial elections held on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Republican Governor John Engler, after serving three terms, was term-limited and was ineligible to run for a fourth term; his lieutenant governor Dick Posthumus, also a Republican, ran in his place. Jennifer Granholm, then Attorney General of Michigan, ran on the Democratic Party ticket. Douglas Campbell ran on the Green Party ticket, and Joseph M. Pilchak[14] ran on the Constitution Party[15] ticket.

Granholm won with 51% of the vote, followed by Posthumus' 47%, Campbell with 1%, and Pilchak with less than 1%.[16] [17] This made Granholm the first female Michigan governor and the first Democratic governor of Michigan in 12 years.[18]

Minnesota

Election Name:2002 Minnesota gubernatorial election
Country:Minnesota
Flag Year:1983
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Minnesota gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Next Election:2006 Minnesota gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Nominee1:Tim Pawlenty
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Running Mate1:Carol Molnau
Popular Vote1:999,473
Percentage1:44.4%
Nominee2:Roger Moe
Running Mate2:Julie Sabo
Party2:Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
Popular Vote2:821,268
Percentage2:36.5%
Nominee3:Tim Penny
Running Mate3:Martha Robertson
Party3:Independence Party of Minnesota
Popular Vote3:364,534
Percentage3:16.2%
Map Size:270px
Governor
Before Election:Jesse Ventura
Before Party:Independence Party of Minnesota
After Election:Tim Pawlenty
After Party:Republican Party of Minnesota

The 2002 Minnesota gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2002 for the post of Governor of Minnesota. Republican candidate Tim Pawlenty defeated Democratic candidate Roger Moe and Independence Party of Minnesota candidate Tim Penny. For personal reasons regarding the health of his spouse, incumbent Governor Jesse Ventura chose not to seek re-election. Pawlenty comfortably won the election, which was attributed in part to Moe's uninspired campaign, with Moe being dubbed a "cautious dullard" four years later by the City Pages.[19]

Nebraska

See also: 2002 Nebraska gubernatorial election.

Election Name:2002 Nebraska gubernatorial election
Country:Nebraska
Type:presidential
Ongoing:Yes
Previous Election:1998 Nebraska gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Nebraska gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Mike Johanns
Running Mate1:Dave Heineman
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:330,349
Percentage1:68.7%
Nominee2:Stormy Dean
Running Mate2:Melany Chesterman
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:132,348
Percentage2:27.5%
Governor
Before Election:Mike Johanns
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Mike Johanns
After Party:Republican Party (United States)
Map Size:300px

The 2002 Nebraska gubernatorial election, held on November 5, 2002, featured incumbent Republican Governor of Nebraska Mike Johanns defeating his Democratic opponent Stormy Dean in a landslide.

This was the first gubernatorial election in Nebraska where the winning primary candidates chose their running mates after the primary election. Prior to this, both the governor and the lieutenant governor were chosen at the primary election.[20] This was also the first gubernatorial election in which a Republican was re-elected in more than forty years.[21]

Nevada

Election Name:2002 Nevada gubernatorial election
Country:Nevada
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Nevada gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Nevada gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Kenny Guinn
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:344,001
Percentage1:68.2%
Nominee2:Joe Neal
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:110,935
Percentage2:22.0%
Map Size:230px
Governor
Before Election:Kenny Guinn
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Kenny Guinn
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 Nevada gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Republican Governor Kenny Guinn defeated Democratic nominee and Nevada Senator Joe Neal in a landslide to win a second term.

New Hampshire

Election Name:2002 New Hampshire gubernatorial election
Country:New Hampshire
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:2000 New Hampshire gubernatorial election
Previous Year:2000
Next Election:2004 New Hampshire gubernatorial election
Next Year:2004
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Craig Benson
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:259,663
Percentage1:58.7%
Nominee2:Mark Fernald
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:169,277
Percentage2:38.2%
Governor
Before Election:Jeanne Shaheen
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Craig Benson
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 New Hampshire gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002. Three-term incumbent Democratic Governor Jeanne Shaheen opted to unsuccessfully run for the United States Senate rather than seek a fourth term as governor. Republican Craig Benson, a self-funded businessman, defeated Democrat Mark Fernald, a state senator, in the general election after both won contested primary elections.

This was the only time a Republican was elected governor between 1994 and 2016.

New Mexico

Election Name:2002 New Mexico gubernatorial election
Country:New Mexico
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 New Mexico gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Next Election:2006 New Mexico gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Nominee1:Bill Richardson
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Running Mate1:Diane Denish
Popular Vote1:268,693
Percentage1:55.5%
Nominee2:John Sanchez
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Running Mate2:Rod Adair
Popular Vote2:189,074
Percentage2:39.0%
Nominee3:David Bacon
Party3:Green Party of the United States
Popular Vote3:26,465
Percentage3:5.5%
Map Size:200px
Governor
Before Election:Gary Johnson
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Bill Richardson
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

The 2002 New Mexico gubernatorial election was a race for the Governor of New Mexico. The winner of the election held on November 5, 2002, served from January 1, 2003 until January 1, 2007. Incumbent Republican Gary Johnson was term limited. Former U.S. Congressman Bill Richardson won the election. Green Party nominee David Bacon received over 5% of the total vote, including over 11% in Santa Fe County, which was his best showing.

New York

Election Name:2002 New York gubernatorial election
Country:New York
Flag Image:Flag of New York (1909–2020).svg
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 New York gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 New York gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:George Pataki
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Running Mate1:Mary Donohue
Popular Vote1:2,262,255
Percentage1:49.4%
Nominee2:Carl McCall
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Running Mate2:Dennis Mehiel
Popular Vote2:1,534,064
Percentage2:33.5%
Nominee3:Tom Golisano
Party3:Independence Party of New York
Running Mate3:Mary Donohue
Popular Vote3:654,016
Percentage3:14.3%
Governor
Before Election:George Pataki
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:George Pataki
After Party:Republican Party (United States)
Alliance1:Conservative
Alliance2:Working Families

The 2002 New York gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002. Republican Governor George Pataki was re-elected to a third term, defeating Democrat Carl McCall and Rochester billionaire Tom Golisano, who ran on the Independence Party line., this was the last time a Republican won a statewide election in New York, and the last time Albany, Tompkins and Westchester counties have voted Republican in a statewide election.

On Election Day, Pataki was easily re-elected, but fell short of receiving 50% of the vote. McCall received 33% of the vote, carrying New York City (other than Staten Island) and nearly carrying Albany County. In contrast to the norm for multiple third party campaigns, Golisano did better than his previous elections, receiving 14% of the vote and carrying his home county of Monroe in western New York.

Ohio

Election Name:2002 Ohio gubernatorial election
Country:Ohio
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Ohio gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Ohio gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Bob Taft
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:1,865,007
Percentage1:57.8%
Nominee2:Tim Hagan
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:1,236,924
Percentage2:38.3%
Map Size:210px
Governor
Before Election:Bob Taft
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Bob Taft
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 Ohio gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Republican Governor of Ohio Bob Taft ran for re-election to a second and final term as governor, and he was opposed by Democratic nominee Tim Hagan, a former Cuyahoga County Commissioner. The race between Taft and Hagan was not competitive, and Taft was re-elected by a substantial margin, ensuring him a second term in office.

As of, this was the last time that someone other than a current or former member of Congress was elected to the governorship.

Oklahoma

Election Name:2002 Oklahoma gubernatorial election
Country:Oklahoma
Flag Image:Flag of Oklahoma (1988–2006, unofficial).svg
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Oklahoma gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Oklahoma gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Brad Henry
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:448,143
Percentage1:43.3%
Nominee2:Steve Largent
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:441,277
Percentage2:42.6%
Nominee3:Gary Richardson
Party3:Independent (United States)
Popular Vote3:146,200
Percentage3:14.1%
Map Size:300px
Governor
Before Election:Frank Keating
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Brad Henry
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

The 2002 Oklahoma gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002, and was a race for Governor of Oklahoma. Democrat Brad Henry won the election with 43 percent of the vote, beating Republican Steve Largent and conservative independent Gary Richardson.

Henry's narrow win has been attributed to Richardson and Largent's split of the conservative vote[22] and the inclusion of a cockfighting ban on the ballot, an issue which brought cockfighting supporters from Southeastern Oklahoma, a traditional Democratic stronghold that strongly supported Henry, out to vote.[22] [23] [24]

Oregon

Election Name:2002 Oregon gubernatorial election
Country:Oregon
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Oregon gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Oregon gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Ted Kulongoski
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:618,004
Percentage1:49.0%
Nominee2:Kevin Mannix
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:581,785
Percentage2:46.2%
Map Size:251px
Governor
Before Election:John Kitzhaber
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Ted Kulongoski
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

The 2002 Oregon gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Democratic Governor of Oregon John Kitzhaber was unable to seek a third consecutive term as governor, therefore creating an open seat. To replace him, former Oregon Supreme Court Associate Justice Ted Kulongoski won a crowded and competitive Democratic primary, while former State Representative Kevin Mannix emerged from an equally competitive Republican primary. The campaign between Kulongoski and Mannix, who were joined by Libertarian nominee Tom Cox, was close and went down to the wire. Ultimately, Kulongoski eked out a narrow margin of victory over Mannix, which was slightly smaller than Cox's total vote share, allowing Kulongoski to win what would be the first of two terms as governor.

Pennsylvania

Election Name:2002 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election
Country:Pennsylvania
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Ed Rendell
Running Mate1:Catherine Baker Knoll
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:1,913,235
Percentage1:53.4%
Nominee2:Mike Fisher
Running Mate2:Jane Earll
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:1,589,408
Percentage2:44.4%
Map Size:250px
Governor
Before Election:Mark Schweiker
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Ed Rendell
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

The 2002 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002, to elect the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. Incumbent Republican governor Mark Schweiker, who took office in 2001 when Tom Ridge resigned to become Homeland Security Advisor, was eligible to run for a full term, but did not do so. Democrat Ed Rendell, the former mayor of Philadelphia and Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, emerged from a competitive primary to win the general election against Republican Pennsylvania Attorney General Mike Fisher.

Rendell won the election, with commentators attributing his victory to "endless retail politicking" and a hard-working campaign. The political website PoliticsPA praised Rendell's campaign team of David L. Cohen, David W. Sweet, and Sandi Vito.[25] Fisher's strategy backfired; Rendell performed well in much of Eastern Pennsylvania and he was able to win by huge margins in even many traditionally Republican suburbs.[26]

Rendell was the first official from Philadelphia to win the governorship since 1914.[26] This was the first time since 1826 that a Democrat won all four of Philadelphia's suburban counties and the first time since 1970 that a Democrat won Montgomery County in a gubernatorial election.

Rhode Island

Election Name:2002 Rhode Island gubernatorial election
Country:Rhode Island
Type:Presidential
Previous Election:1998 Rhode Island gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Rhode Island gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Ongoing:no
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Donald Carcieri
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:181,827
Percentage1:54.8%
Nominee2:Myrth York
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:150,229
Percentage2:45.2%
Governor
Before Election:Lincoln Almond
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Donald Carcieri
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 Rhode Island gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Republican Governor Lincoln Almond was term-limited. Republican Donald Carcieri won the open seat, defeating Democrat Myrth York., this was the last time the Republican candidate won Providence County.

In the Republican primary election, Carcieri defeated James Bennett, who had won the endorsement of the state Republican Party.[27]

The 2002 campaign was particularly costly to York as she spent $3.8 million of her own money to finance what was to be her last bid for elected office. A key turning point in the campaign was when York criticized Carcieri for the actions of businesses he had been associated with but refused to answer Carcieri's request that she reveal what companies her personal assets were invested in.[28]

South Carolina

Election Name:2002 South Carolina gubernatorial election
Country:South Carolina
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 South Carolina gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 South Carolina gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Mark Sanford
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:585,422
Percentage1:52.9%
Nominee2:Jim Hodges
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:521,140
Percentage2:47.0%
Map Size:230px
Governor
Before Election:Jim Hodges
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Mark Sanford
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 South Carolina gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002 to select the governor of the state of South Carolina. Mark Sanford, the Republican nominee, defeated incumbent Democratic Governor Jim Hodges to become the 115th governor of South Carolina. Hodges became only the third incumbent governor and the first Democratic governor in South Carolina history to lose reelection.

South Dakota

Election Name:2002 South Dakota gubernatorial election
Country:South Dakota
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 South Dakota gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 South Dakota gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 2, 2002
Nominee1:Mike Rounds
Running Mate1:Dennis Daugaard
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:189,920
Percentage1:56.8%
Nominee2:Jim Abbott
Running Mate2:Michael Wilson
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:140,263
Percentage2:41.9%
Map Size:250px
Governor
Before Election:Bill Janklow
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Mike Rounds
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 South Dakota gubernatorial election took place on November 2, 2002 to elect a Governor of South Dakota. Republican nominee Mike Rounds was elected, defeating Democratic nominee Jim Abbott.

Tennessee

Election Name:2002 Tennessee gubernatorial election
Country:Tennessee
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Tennessee gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Tennessee gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Phil Bredesen
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:837,284
Percentage1:50.6%
Nominee2:Van Hilleary
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:786,803
Percentage2:47.6%
Map Size:300px
Governor
Before Election:Don Sundquist
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Phil Bredesen
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)
Turnout:50.40% [29] 17.87 pp

The 2002 Tennessee gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002, to elect the next governor of Tennessee. The incumbent, Don Sundquist, was term-limited and is prohibited by the Constitution of Tennessee from seeking a third consecutive term. To succeed him, former Nashville Mayor Phil Bredesen, the Democratic nominee, who had run against Sundquist in 1994, narrowly defeated United States Congressman Van Hilleary, the Republican nominee, in the general election.

With this win, Bredesen flipped the state back into Democratic control, with the state legislature also being controlled by Democrats.

Texas

Election Name:2002 Texas gubernatorial election
Type:Presidential
Ongoing:no
Country:Texas
Previous Election:1998 Texas gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Texas gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Rick Perry
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:2,632,591
Percentage1:57.8%
Nominee2:Tony Sanchez
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:1,819,798
Percentage2:40.0%
Map Size:310px
Governor
Before Election:Rick Perry
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Rick Perry
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 Texas gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002, to elect the governor of Texas. Incumbent Republican Governor Rick Perry, who had ascended to the governorship after the resignation of George W. Bush to become President of the United States, was elected to his first full term in office, winning 58% of the vote to Democrat Tony Sanchez's 40%.

Perry carried 218 out of 254 counties, while Sanchez only carried 36. Exit polls showed Perry easily won among white voters with 72% while Sanchez won the African American vote with 85% and the Latino vote with 65%. His second inauguration for a first full four-year term began on January 21, 2003, on the Texas State Capitol South Grounds.

, this was the last time the Republican candidate carried Dallas County, and the last time Republicans kept the vote margins within the single digits in Travis County.

Vermont

Election Name:2002 Vermont gubernatorial election
Country:Vermont
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:2000 Vermont gubernatorial election
Previous Year:2000
Next Election:2004 Vermont gubernatorial election
Next Year:2004
Nominee1:Jim Douglas
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:103,436
Percentage1:44.9%
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Nominee2:Doug Racine
Popular Vote2:97,565
Percentage2:42.4%
Party3:Independent (United States)
Nominee3:Cornelius Hogan
Popular Vote3:22,353
Percentage3:9.7%
Governor
Before Election:Howard Dean
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Jim Douglas
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2002 Vermont gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Democratic Governor Howard Dean did not run for re-election to a sixth full term as Governor of Vermont. Republican Jim Douglas defeated Democratic candidate Doug Racine and independent candidate Cornelius Hogan, among others, to succeed him. Since no candidate received a majority in the popular vote, Douglas was elected by the Vermont General Assembly per the state constitution.[30]

The race was very close, with Douglas prevailing by just under 6,000 votes or 2.56%. In Vermont for statewide/executive races if no candidate receives 50% then the Vermont General Assembly picks the winner. However, Racine declined to contest it further and conceded to Douglas. Ultimately it was Douglas's strong performance in Montpelier and Rutland that carried him to victory. Racine did do well in populous Burlington and greater Chittenden County, but it ultimately did not suffice. Racine called Douglas at 12:38 P.M. EST and conceded defeat. Douglas would go on to be reelected three more times. Racine would run for governor one last time in 2010, but narrowly lost the Democratic Primary to Peter Shumlin. After the close contest, Shumlin chose Racine to be his Secretary of Human Services. Racine stepped down from that post in 2014.

Wisconsin

Election Name:2002 Wisconsin gubernatorial election
Country:Wisconsin
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:1998 Wisconsin gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Wisconsin gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Turnout:45.43%
Nominee1:Jim Doyle
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:800,515
Percentage1:45.1%
Nominee2:Scott McCallum
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:734,779
Percentage2:41.4%
Nominee3:Ed Thompson
Party3:Libertarian Party (United States)
Popular Vote3:185,455
Percentage3:10.4%
Governor
Before Election:Scott McCallum
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Jim Doyle
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

The 2002 Wisconsin gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Republican Governor of Wisconsin Scott McCallum, who had assumed office upon the resignation of Tommy Thompson, ran for his first full term in office. McCallum won his party's nomination by defeating two minor candidates, and Attorney General of Wisconsin Jim Doyle won the Democratic primary with a little more than a third of the vote in a highly competitive primary election. In the general election, the presence of Ed Thompson, former Governor Tommy Thompson's younger brother, the Mayor of Tomah, and the Libertarian Party nominee, held both McCallum and Doyle to under fifty percent of the vote, enabling Doyle to win with 45% of the vote, defeating McCallum.

Wyoming

Election Name:2002 Wyoming gubernatorial election
Country:Wyoming
Type:presidential
Ongoing:Yes
Previous Election:1998 Wyoming gubernatorial election
Previous Year:1998
Next Election:2006 Wyoming gubernatorial election
Next Year:2006
Election Date:November 5, 2002
Nominee1:Dave Freudenthal
Party1:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:92,662
Percentage1:50.0%
Nominee2:Eli Bebout
Party2:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:88,873
Percentage2:47.9%
Map Size:250px
Governor
Before Party:Republican Party (United States)
After Election:Dave Freudenthal
After Party:Democratic Party (United States)

The 2002 Wyoming gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Republican Governor Jim Geringer was term-limited and unable to seek a third term in office, thereby creating an open seat. Former U.S. Attorney Dave Freudenthal and former Wyoming House Speaker Eli Bebout both emerged from competitive Democratic and Republican primaries, respectively, and faced off against each other in the general election. Despite Wyoming's strong inclination to elect Republicans, a contentious race ensued, with Freudenthal ultimately defeating Bebout by fewer than 4,000 votes.

Territories and federal district

District of Columbia

See main article: 2002 Washington, D.C., mayoral election.

Guam

See main article: 2002 Guamanian general election.

U.S. Virgin Islands

See main article: 2002 United States Virgin Islands gubernatorial election.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Governors Races. https://web.archive.org/web/20021212142349/http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/governor_all.htm. December 12, 2002. www.centerforpolitics.org. en-US. November 4, 2002. September 18, 2018. dead. mdy-all.
  2. Web site: Governor Updated October 31, 2002 The Cook Political Report. https://web.archive.org/web/20021208065752/http://www.cookpolitical.com/display.cfm?section=political&edit_id=225. December 8, 2002. The Cook Political Report. en. October 31, 2002. September 18, 2018. dead. mdy-all.
  3. Web site: Voter Registration Statistics | Arizona Secretary of State. 7 May 2023.
  4. Web site: Our Campaigns - Container Detail Page . 2022-08-22 . www.ourcampaigns.com.
  5. Web site: November 5, 2002 General Election. Florida Department of State. 2022-05-15.
  6. Web site: Jeb Bush Makes History In Florida . 2008-05-22 . 2002-11-06. CBS News.
  7. News: The 2002 Elections: Florida – Bush Looks to 2nd Term As Analysts Point to 2004 . 2008-05-25 . 2002-11-07. . Dana . Canedy.
  8. News: The 2002 Elections: Georgia – Senator Cleland Loses in an Upset to Republican Emphasizing Defense. The New York Times. 6 November 2002. Gettleman. Jeffrey.
  9. News: Broder . John M. . The 2002 Campaign: The Democrats – Hawaii Democrats Reeling After Scandals and a Death . 21 August 2019 . The New York Times . 19 October 2002.
  10. Web site: 2011-04-25 . Baldacci, John E. Maine: An Encyclopedia . 2023-01-12 . en-US.
  11. Web site: 2002 Gubernatorial General Election - Voter Turnout . elections.maryland.gov . . May 1, 2022.
  12. Book: Maryland Manual. 1987. Hall of Records Commission.
  13. Web site: Our Campaigns - MA Governor Race - Nov 05, 2002. www.ourcampaigns.com.
  14. The Political Graveyard: Index to Politicians http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/pikiel-pinchot.html
  15. The Constitution Party is still on the Michigan ballot as the United States Taxpayers' Party in Michigan. Although the party changed its name in 1999, the Michigan Bureau of Elections does not provide any mechanism for a political party changing its name.
  16. http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2002/pages/governor/ CNN.com Election 2002 – Governor
  17. Web site: 2002 Official Michigan General Election Results – Governor 4 Year Term (1) Position. https://web.archive.org/web/20140113134507/http://miboecfr.nicusa.com/election/results/02GEN/02000000.html. dead. January 13, 2014.
  18. News: The 2002 Election: Midwest – Michigan . . 7 November 2002 . 15 February 2009. Nichole M. . Christian. John H. . Cushman Jr. Sherri . Day. Sam . Dillon. Neil A. . Lewis. Robert . Pear. Terry . Pristin. Philip . Shenon. Jacques . Steinberg. Leslie . Wayne .
  19. News: Britt . Robson. Running Man. City Pages. August 30, 2006 . November 10, 2006. dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070108113629/http://citypages.com/databank/27/1343/article14661.asp . January 8, 2007.
  20. Web site: State Executive Branch. Nebraska State Government. 424. Nebraska Office of the Governor. PDF. 9 April 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110919201921/http://www.governor.nebraska.gov/responsibilities/pdf/State_Executive%20Branch.pdf. 19 September 2011.
  21. Web site: The President's New Cabinet. January 2005. Scholastic News. 9 April 2011. 9 June 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120609103723/http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=5416. dead.
  22. Averill, David, "Eyeing another campaign: Richardson had impact on 2002 governor's race", Tulsa World, March 22, 2009.
  23. https://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/state/2002-11-06-oklahoma-gov_x.htm "Henry upsets Steve Largent in governor's race"
  24. John M. Broder, "The 2002 Elections: Governors; Bright Spots, Amid Dim Ones, for Democrats", The New York Times, November 7, 2009.
  25. Web site: The Best and Worst Campaigns'02. PoliticsPA. The Publius Group. 2002.
  26. Book: Kennedy, John J.. Pennsylvania Elections: Statewide Contests From 1950–2004. 2006. University Press of America. 9780761832799.
  27. News: Fung moves closer to capturing Republican governor endorsement . Rhode Island Public Radio . 2014-06-20.
  28. Web site: Fenton . Josh . Myrth York Leads New Anti-Cianci Group and Launches TV Ad . 2022-12-16 . GoLocalProv . en.
  29. News: November 5, 2002 . Tennessee Voter Turnout in 2002 . Tennessee Secretary of State . February 28, 2023.
  30. Web site: General Election Results - Governor - 1789-2012. Office of the Vermont Secretary of State. 31 December 2014.