| Election Name: | 2012 United States gubernatorial elections |
| Country: | United States |
| Type: | legislative |
| Seats For Election: | 14 governorships 12 states; 2 territories |
| Election Date: | November 6, 2012 June 5 (Wisconsin recall) |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 2011 United States gubernatorial elections |
| Previous Year: | 2011 |
| Next Election: | 2013 United States gubernatorial elections |
| Next Year: | 2013 |
| 1Blank: | Seats up |
| 2Blank: | Seats won |
| Party1: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Seats Before1: | 29 |
| Seats After1: | 30 |
| Seat Change1: | 1 |
| Popular Vote1: | 8,305,687[1] |
| Percentage1: | 49.7% |
| 1Data1: | 4 |
| 2Data1: | 5 |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Seats Before2: | 20 |
| Seats After2: | 19 |
| Seat Change2: | 1 |
| Popular Vote2: | 7,992,567 |
| Percentage2: | 47.9% |
| 1Data2: | 8 |
| 2Data2: | 7 |
| Map Size: | 320px |
United States gubernatorial elections were held in 12 states (including a recall election in Wisconsin on June 5) and two territories. Of the eight Democratic and four Republican seats contested, only that of North Carolina changed party hands, giving the Republicans a net gain of one governorship. These elections (except for Wisconsin) coincided with the presidential election on November 6, 2012. As of 2024, this marked the last time in which a Democrat won the governorship in Missouri and the last time in which a Republican won the governorship in North Carolina.
| State | Incumbent | Last race | Cook [2] | IE [3] | Sabato [4] | RCP [5] | Result | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | Jack Markell | data-sort-value="-67.5" | 67.5% D | data-sort-value="-69.3" | Markell 69.3% D | ||||||
| Indiana | Mitch Daniels | data-sort-value="57.8" | 57.8% R | data-sort-value="49.5" | Pence 49.5% R | ||||||
| Missouri | Jay Nixon | data-sort-value="-58.4" | 58.4% D | data-sort-value="-54.8" | Nixon 54.8% D | ||||||
| Montana | Brian Schweitzer | data-sort-value="-65.5" | 65.5% D | data-sort-value="-48.9" | Bullock 48.9% D | ||||||
| New Hampshire | John Lynch | data-sort-value="-52.6" | 52.6% D | data-sort-value="-54.6" | Hassan 54.6% D | ||||||
| North Carolina | Bev Perdue | data-sort-value="-50.3" | 50.3% D | data-sort-value="54.6" | McCrory 54.6% R | ||||||
| North Dakota | Jack Dalrymple | data-sort-value="74.4" | 74.4% R | data-sort-value="63.1" | Dalrymple 63.1% R | ||||||
| Utah | Gary Herbert | data-sort-value="64.1" | 64.1% R | data-sort-value="68.4" | Herbert 68.4% R | ||||||
| Vermont | Peter Shumlin | data-sort-value="-49.4" | 49.4% D | data-sort-value="-57.8" | Shumlin 57.8% D | ||||||
| Washington | Christine Gregoire | data-sort-value="-53.0" | 53.0% D | data-sort-value="-51.4" | Inslee 51.4% D | ||||||
| West Virginia | Earl Ray Tomblin | data-sort-value="-49.6" | 49.6% D | data-sort-value="-50.5" | Tomblin 50.5% D |
| State | Incumbent | Party | First elected | Result | Candidates | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 2008 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Indiana | 2004 | Incumbent term-limited. New governor elected. Republican hold. | nowrap | ||||
| Missouri | 2008 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Montana | 2004 | Incumbent term-limited. New governor elected. Democratic hold. | nowrap | ||||
| New Hampshire | 2004 | Incumbent retired. New governor elected. Democratic hold. | nowrap | ||||
| North Carolina | 2008 | Incumbent retired. New governor elected. Republican gain. | nowrap | ||||
| North Dakota | 2010 | Incumbent elected to a full term. | nowrap | ||||
| Utah | 2009 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Vermont | 2010 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Washington | 2004 | Incumbent retired. New governor elected. Democratic hold. | nowrap | ||||
| West Virginia | 2010 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Wisconsin | 2010 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap |
| Territory | Incumbent | Party | First elected | Result | Candidates | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Samoa | 2003 | Incumbent retired. New governor elected. Independent gain. | nowrap | ||||||
| Puerto Rico | New Progressive | 2008 | Incumbent lost re-election. New member elected. Popular Democratic gain. | nowrap |
States where the margin of victory was under 1%:
States where the margin of victory was under 5%:
States where the margin of victory was under 10%:
| Election Name: | 2012 Delaware gubernatorial election |
| Country: | Delaware |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 2008 Delaware gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 2008 |
| Next Election: | 2016 Delaware gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 2016 |
| Election Date: | November 6, 2012 |
| Nominee1: | Jack Markell |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 275,993 |
| Percentage1: | 69.3% |
| Nominee2: | Jeff Cragg |
| Party2: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 113,793 |
| Percentage2: | 28.6% |
| Map Size: | 100px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | Jack Markell |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Jack Markell |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
See main article: 2012 Delaware gubernatorial election.
See also: 2012 Delaware lieutenant gubernatorial election. Governor Jack Markell successfully ran for re-election. His Republican challenger was Jeff Cragg.[6]
| Election Name: | 2012 Indiana gubernatorial election |
| Country: | Indiana |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 2008 Indiana gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 2008 |
| Next Election: | 2016 Indiana gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 2016 |
| Nominee1: | Mike Pence |
| Running Mate1: | Sue Ellspermann |
| Party1: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 1,275,424 |
| Percentage1: | 49.5% |
| Nominee2: | John R. Gregg |
| Running Mate2: | Vi Simpson |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,200,016 |
| Percentage2: | 46.6% |
| Map Size: | 150px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | Mitch Daniels |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Mike Pence |
| After Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
See main article: 2012 Indiana gubernatorial election. Governor Mitch Daniels was term-limited in 2012.
Mike Pence, a six-term Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives, announced his candidacy for his party's nomination. Pence, whose announcement was anticipated by his resignation of a leading position in the GOP caucus in the House, was regarded as the favorite for election.[7] Indianapolis businessman and former Hamilton County Councilman Jim Wallace had announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination prior to Pence's entrance but failed to collect enough signatures to become an official candidate by the deadline in February 2012.[8] [9] [10]
Former state House Speaker John R. Gregg was unopposed for the Democratic Party's nomination.[11]
Former Survivor contestant and founder of the Rupert's Kids charity Rupert Boneham ran as the Libertarian Party candidate.[12]
Pence narrowly defeated Gregg with 49.9% of the vote to Gregg's 46.56%. Boneham received 3.95% of the vote.[13]
| Election Name: | 2012 Missouri gubernatorial election |
| Country: | Missouri |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 2008 Missouri gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 2008 |
| Next Election: | 2016 Missouri gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 2016 |
| Nominee1: | Jay Nixon |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 1,494,056 |
| Percentage1: | 54.8% |
| Nominee2: | Dave Spence |
| Party2: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,160,265 |
| Percentage2: | 42.5% |
| Map Size: | 225px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | Jay Nixon |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Jay Nixon |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
See main article: 2012 Missouri gubernatorial election.
See also: 2012 Missouri lieutenant gubernatorial election. Governor Jay Nixon sought re-election.[14]
Dave Spence, a businessman from St. Louis, won the Republican nomination over attorney Bill Randles in the August 7, 2012 primary.[15]
Jim Higgins was the Libertarian candidate.
Nixon won the general election over Spence and Higgins.
The Lieutenant Governor is elected separately.
As of 2024, this is the last time a Democrat won the governorship of Missouri to date. This is also the last time that a gubernatorial nominee and a lieutenant gubernatorial nominee of different opposite political parties were elected governor and lieutenant governor in Missouri to date as well.
| Election Name: | 2012 Montana gubernatorial election |
| Country: | Montana |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 2008 Montana gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 2008 |
| Next Election: | 2016 Montana gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 2016 |
| Nominee1: | Steve Bullock |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Running Mate1: | John Walsh |
| Popular Vote1: | 236,450 |
| Percentage1: | 48.9% |
| Nominee2: | Rick Hill |
| Party2: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Running Mate2: | Jon Sonju |
| Popular Vote2: | 228,879 |
| Percentage2: | 47.3% |
| Map Size: | 300px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | Brian Schweitzer |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Steve Bullock |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
See main article: 2012 Montana gubernatorial election. Governor Brian Schweitzer was term-limited in 2012.
The declared Democratic primary candidates were state Senator Larry Jent[16] and state Attorney General Steve Bullock.[17]
The declared Republican primary candidates included Chouteau County commissioner Jim O'Hara,[18] former state Senators Corey Stapleton and Ken Miller, terrorism and national security analyst Neil Livingstone,[19] former Congressman Rick Hill,[20] and Truck driver Keith Winkler.[21]
Steve Bullock and Rick Hill won their respective primaries. Bullock defeated Hill and Libertarian Ron Vandevender in the general election.[22]
| Election Name: | 2012 New Hampshire gubernatorial election |
| Country: | New Hampshire |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 2010 New Hampshire gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 2010 |
| Next Election: | 2014 New Hampshire gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 2014 |
| Nominee1: | Maggie Hassan |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 378,934 |
| Percentage1: | 54.6% |
| Nominee2: | Ovide Lamontagne |
| Party2: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 294,024 |
| Percentage2: | 42.5% |
| Map Size: | 100px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | John Lynch |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Maggie Hassan |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
See main article: 2012 New Hampshire gubernatorial election. Governor John Lynch retired rather than running for re-election.[23]
Maggie Hassan, former Majority Leader of the New Hampshire State Senate, defeated former state senator Jackie Cilley and firefighter Bill Kennedy to become the Democratic nominee. Former Chairman of the New Hampshire Board of Education Ovide Lamontagne, who narrowly lost the Republican primary for Senate in 2010, defeated conservative activist and former state representative Kevin Smith and Bill Tarr to win the Republican nomination.[24] [25] Hassan won the general election.
New Hampshire does not have a position of Lieutenant Governor.
| Election Name: | 2012 North Carolina gubernatorial election |
| Country: | North Carolina |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 2008 North Carolina gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 2008 |
| Next Election: | 2016 North Carolina gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 2016 |
| Nominee1: | Pat McCrory |
| Party1: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 2,440,707 |
| Percentage1: | 54.6% |
| Nominee2: | Walter Dalton |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,931,580 |
| Percentage2: | 43.2% |
| Map Size: | 300px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | Bev Perdue |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Pat McCrory |
| After Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
See main article: 2012 North Carolina gubernatorial election.
See also: 2012 North Carolina lieutenant gubernatorial election. Governor Beverly Perdue retired rather than run for re-election.[26]
Walter Dalton and Pat McCrory won their respective primaries, and McCrory won the general election.
The Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina was elected separately.
| Election Name: | 2012 North Dakota gubernatorial election |
| Country: | North Dakota |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 2008 North Dakota gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 2008 |
| Next Election: | 2016 North Dakota gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 2016 |
| Nominee1: | Jack Dalrymple |
| Party1: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Running Mate1: | Drew Wrigley |
| Popular Vote1: | 200,525 |
| Percentage1: | 63.1% |
| Nominee2: | Ryan Taylor |
| Party2: | North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party |
| Running Mate2: | Ellen Chaffee |
| Popular Vote2: | 109,048 |
| Percentage2: | 34.3% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | Jack Dalrymple |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Jack Dalrymple |
| After Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
See main article: 2012 North Dakota gubernatorial election. Governor Jack Dalrymple succeeded John Hoeven after the latter was elected Senator and ran for a full term in 2012.[27] Drew Wrigley was his running mate. Dalrymple defeated architect Paul Sorum for the nomination.
State Senate Minority leader Ryan Taylor was the Democratic nominee. Ellen Chaffee was his running mate.[28] Dalrymple won the general election.
| Election Name: | 2012 Utah gubernatorial election |
| Country: | Utah |
| Flag Year: | 2011 |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 2010 Utah gubernatorial special election |
| Previous Year: | 2010 (special) |
| Next Election: | 2016 Utah gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 2016 |
| Nominee1: | Gary Herbert |
| Running Mate1: | Greg Bell |
| Party1: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 624,678 |
| Percentage1: | 68.4% |
| Nominee2: | Peter Cooke |
| Running Mate2: | Vincent Rampton |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 253,514 |
| Percentage2: | 27.7% |
| Map Size: | 150px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | Gary Herbert |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Gary Herbert |
| After Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
See main article: 2012 Utah gubernatorial election. Governor Gary Herbert, who won the 2010 gubernatorial special election to finish his predecessor's unfinished term, ran for a full four-year term in 2012.[29]
Democrat Peter Cooke, a businessman and retired major general, opposed him. The Libertarian candidate was medical researcher Ken Larson, and the Constitution party candidate was Kirk D. Pearson. Herbert won the general election.
| Election Name: | 2012 Vermont gubernatorial election |
| Country: | Vermont |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 2010 Vermont gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 2010 |
| Next Election: | 2014 Vermont gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 2014 |
| Nominee1: | Peter Shumlin |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 170,749 |
| Percentage1: | 57.8% |
| Nominee2: | Randy Brock |
| Party2: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 110,940 |
| Percentage2: | 37.6% |
| Map Size: | 100px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | Peter Shumlin |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Peter Shumlin |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
See main article: 2012 Vermont gubernatorial election. Governor Peter Shumlin, the victor of the Vermont gubernatorial election of 2010, ran for re-election in 2012.[30] His Republican challenger was state Senator Randy Brock.[31] Shumlin won the general election. The Lieutenant Governor was elected separately.
| Election Name: | 2012 Washington gubernatorial election |
| Country: | Washington |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 2008 Washington gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 2008 |
| Next Election: | 2016 Washington gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 2016 |
| Nominee1: | Jay Inslee |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 1,582,802 |
| Percentage1: | 51.4% |
| Nominee2: | Rob McKenna |
| Party2: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,488,245 |
| Percentage2: | 48.3% |
| Map Size: | 255px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | Christine Gregoire |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Jay Inslee |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
See main article: 2012 Washington gubernatorial election. Governor Christine Gregoire retired rather than run for re-election.[32]
U.S. Representative Jay Inslee was the Democratic nominee.[33]
State Attorney General Rob McKenna was the Republican nominee.[34] [35] U.S. Representative Dave Reichert decided against a bid, and threw his support to McKenna.[36] Inslee won the general election.
The Lieutenant Governor will be elected separately.
| Election Name: | 2012 West Virginia gubernatorial election |
| Country: | West Virginia |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 2011 West Virginia gubernatorial special election |
| Previous Year: | 2011 (special) |
| Next Election: | 2016 West Virginia gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 2016 |
| Nominee1: | Earl Ray Tomblin |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 335,468 |
| Percentage1: | 50.5% |
| Nominee2: | Bill Maloney |
| Party2: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 303,291 |
| Percentage2: | 45.6% |
| Map Size: | 230px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | Earl Ray Tomblin |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Earl Ray Tomblin |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
See main article: 2012 West Virginia gubernatorial election.
The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia ruled on January 18, 2011 that the state must hold a special gubernatorial election in 2011[37] to fill the vacancy resulting from Joe Manchin's election to the United States Senate. The special election occurred October 4, 2011 with state Senate President and acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin won the election. Tomblin was eligible to run for a full term in 2012.
Tomblin's 2011 Republican opponent, businessman Bill Maloney, was the Republican nominee.[38] Tomblin won the election.
David Moran was the Libertarian candidate.
The Lieutenant Governor is elected by the State Senate.
| Election Name: | Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election |
| Country: | Wisconsin |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | No |
| Previous Election: | 2010 Wisconsin gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 2010 |
| Next Election: | 2014 Wisconsin gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 2014 |
| Election Date: | June 5, 2012 |
| Nominee1: | Scott Walker |
| Party1: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 1,335,585 |
| Percentage1: | 53.1% |
| Nominee2: | Tom Barrett |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,164,480 |
| Percentage2: | 46.3% |
| Map Size: | 200px |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | Scott Walker |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Scott Walker |
| After Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
See main article: 2012 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election. Governor Scott Walker (R) survived a recall election on June 5. Walker's disapproval ratings varied between 50–51% while his approval ratings varied between 47–49% in 2011.[39] Walker led against challenger Tom Barrett (D) in polls since March, including two post-primary polls which showed Walker with a five to twelve point lead.[40] [41] Walker defeated Barrett by seven percentage points,[42] becoming the first governor in U.S. history to survive a recall election.
| Election Name: | 2012 American Samoa gubernatorial election |
| Country: | American Samoa |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 2008 American Samoa gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 2008 |
| Next Election: | 2016 American Samoa gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 2016 |
| Nominee1: | Lolo Matalasi Moliga |
| Party1: | Nonpartisan politician |
| Running Mate1: | Lemanu Peleti Mauga |
| Popular Vote1: | 6,645 |
| Percentage1: | 52.9% |
| Nominee2: | Faoa Aitofele Sunia |
| Party2: | Nonpartisan politician |
| Running Mate2: | Taufete'e John Faumuina, Jr. |
| Popular Vote2: | 5,908 |
| Percentage2: | 47.1% |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | Togiola Tulafono |
| Before Party: | Nonpartisan politician |
| After Election: | Lolo Letalu Matalasi Moliga |
| After Party: | Nonpartisan politician |
See main article: 2012 American Samoa gubernatorial election. Governor Togiola Tulafono, who had served as Governor since 2003, was ineligible to run for re-election due to term limits.
Six candidates vied to succeed outgoing Governor Tulafono – former President of American Samoa Community College, Salu Hunkin-Finau; businessman Timothy Jones; former Attorney General Afoa Moega Lutu; former President of the Development Bank of American Samoa, Lolo Letalu Matalasi Moliga; Lieutenant Governor Faoa Aitofele Sunia; and former High Court of American Samoa justice Save Liuato Tuitele.[43] [44] [45] Moliga won the general election.
| Election Name: | 2012 Puerto Rico gubernatorial election |
| Country: | Puerto Rico |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 2008 Puerto Rico gubernatorial election |
| Previous Year: | 2008 |
| Next Election: | 2016 Puerto Rico gubernatorial election |
| Next Year: | 2016 |
| Election Date: | November 6, 2012 |
| Nominee1: | Alejandro García Padilla |
| Party1: | Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico |
| Alliance1: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 896,060 |
| Percentage1: | 47.7% |
| Nominee2: | Luis Fortuño |
| Party2: | New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico |
| Alliance2: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 884,775 |
| Percentage2: | 47.1% |
| Governor | |
| Before Election: | Luis Fortuño |
| Before Party: | New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico |
| After Election: | Alejandro Garcia Padilla |
| After Party: | Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico |
See main article: 2012 Puerto Rico gubernatorial election. Governor Luis Fortuño (PNP/R) ran for re-election.
Fortuño had been mentioned as a long-shot potential Republican nominee for President or Vice President in 2012.[46] However, he announced on June 26, 2011 that he would run for re-election instead of seeking the Presidency.
Senator Alejandro García Padilla (PPD) was the net biggest challenger out of six challengers, and won the general election.
Puerto Rico does not have a position of Lieutenant Governor.