Contents

2002 United States gubernatorial elections

2002 United States gubernatorial elections

← 2001 November 5, 2002 2003 →
38 governorships 36 states; 2 territories
Majority party Minority party   Party Republican Democratic Seats before 27 21 Seats after 26 24 Seat change 1 3 Popular vote 30,843,168 27,777,088 Percentage 49.37% 44.47% Seats up 23 11 Seats won 22 14   Third party Fourth party   Party Independent Independence Seats before 1 1 Seats after 0 0 Seat change 1 1 Popular vote 524,973 364,534[a] Percentage 0.84% 0.58% Seats up 1 1 Seats won 0 0
Map of the results      Republican hold      Republican gain      Democratic hold      Democratic gain      No election

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 2024, this election marks the most recent cycle in which ColoradoorNew York elected a Republican governor.

Election ratings[edit]

Race Summary[edit]

States[edit]

Territories and federal district[edit]

Closest races[edit]

States where the margin of victory was under 1%:

1. Alabama, 0.2%
2. Oklahoma, 0.7%

States where the margin of victory was under 5%:

1. Arizona, 1.0%
2. Wyoming, 2.0%
3. Vermont, 2.5%
4. Oregon, 2.9%
5. Tennessee, 3.1%
6. Wisconsin, 3.7%
7. Maryland, 3.9%
8. Michigan, 4.0%
9. Hawaii, 4.6%
10. Massachusetts, 4.8%
11. California, 4.9%

States where the margin of victory was under 10%:

1. Georgia, 5.2%
2. Maine, 5.7%
3. South Carolina, 5.9%
4. Arkansas, 6.1%
5. Illinois, 7.1%
6. Kansas, 7.8%
7. Minnesota, 7.9%
8. Iowa, 8.2%
9. Pennsylvania, 9.0%
10. Rhode Island, 9.5%

Alabama[edit]

2002 Alabama gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →

Nominee Bob Riley Don Siegelman Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 672,225 669,105 Percentage 49.2% 48.9%

County results Congressional district results Riley:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70% Siegelman:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Governor before election Don Siegelman Democratic Elected Governor Bob Riley Republican

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[edit]

2002 Alaska gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →

Nominee Frank Murkowski Fran Ulmer Party Republican Democratic Running mate Loren Leman Ernie Hall Popular vote 129,279 94,216 Percentage 55.8% 40.7%

Results by state house district Murkowski:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Ulmer:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Governor before election Tony Knowles Democratic Elected Governor Frank Murkowski Republican

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[edit]

2002 Arizona gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →
Turnout	56.33%[3]
Nominee Janet Napolitano Matt Salmon Richard Mahoney Party Democratic Republican Independent Popular vote 566,284 554,465 84,947 Percentage 46.2% 45.2% 6.9%
County results Napolitano:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70% Salmon:      40–50%      50–60%
Governor before election Jane Dee Hull Republican Elected Governor Janet Napolitano Democratic

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[edit]

2002 Arkansas gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →

Nominee Mike Huckabee Jimmie Lou Fisher Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 427,082 378,250 Percentage 53.01% 46.95%

County results Huckabee:      50–60%      60–70% Fisher:      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election Mike Huckabee Republican Elected Governor Mike Huckabee Republican

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[edit]

2002 California gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2003 (recall) →
Turnout	36.05% 5.38pp
Nominee Gray Davis Bill Simon Peter Camejo Party Democratic Republican Green Popular vote 3,533,490 3,169,801 393,036 Percentage 47.3% 42.4% 5.3%
County results Davis:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70% Simon:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Governor before election Gray Davis Democratic Elected Governor Gray Davis Democratic

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[edit]

2002 Colorado gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →

Nominee Bill Owens Rollie Heath Party Republican Democratic Running mate Jane E. Norton Bill Thiebaut Popular vote 884,583 475,373 Percentage 62.62% 33.65%

County results Owens:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90% Heath:      40–50%      50–60%

Governor before election Bill Owens Republican Elected Governor Bill Owens Republican

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 2024, this is the last time a Republican was elected Governor of Colorado.

Connecticut[edit]

2002 Connecticut gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →

Nominee John G. Rowland Bill Curry Party Republican Democratic Running mate Jodi Rell George Jepsen Popular vote 573,958 448,984 Percentage 56.1% 43.9%

County results Municipality results Rowland:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Curry:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Governor before election John G. Rowland Republican Elected Governor John G. Rowland Republican

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[edit]

2002 Florida gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →
Turnout	55.3%5.8[5]
Nominee Jeb Bush Bill McBride Party Republican Democratic Running mate Frank Brogan Tom Rossin Popular vote 2,856,845 2,201,427 Percentage 56.0% 43.2%
County results Bush:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% McBride:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Governor before election Jeb Bush Republican Elected Governor Jeb Bush Republican

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[edit]

2002 Georgia gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →

Nominee Sonny Perdue Roy Barnes Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 1,041,677 937,062 Percentage 51.39% 46.23%

County results Perdue:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Barnes:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Tie:      40–50%

Governor before election Roy Barnes Democratic Elected Governor Sonny Perdue Republican

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[edit]

2002 Hawaii gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →

Nominee Linda Lingle Mazie Hirono Party Republican Democratic Running mate Duke Aiona Matt Matsunaga Popular vote 197,009 179,647 Percentage 51.6% 47.0%

County results Lingle:      50–60% Hirono:      50–60%

Governor before election Ben Cayetano Democratic Elected Governor Linda Lingle Republican

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[edit]

2002 Idaho gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →

Nominee Dirk Kempthorne Jerry Brady Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 231,566 171,711 Percentage 56.3% 41.7%

County results Kempthorne:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Brady:      40–50%      50–60%

Governor before election Dirk Kempthorne Republican Elected Governor Dirk Kempthorne Republican

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[edit]

2002 Illinois gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →
Turnout	50.05% 0.33 pp
Nominee Rod Blagojevich Jim Ryan Party Democratic Republican Running mate Pat Quinn Carl Hawkinson Popular vote 1,847,040 1,594,961 Percentage 52.2% 45.1%
County results Blagojevich:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70% Ryan:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Governor before election George Ryan Republican Elected Governor Rod Blagojevich Democratic

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[edit]

2002 Iowa gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →

Nominee Tom Vilsack Doug Gross Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 540,449 456,612 Percentage 52.7% 44.5%

County results Vilsack:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70% Gross:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70-80%      80–90%

Governor before election Tom Vilsack Democratic Elected Governor Tom Vilsack Democratic

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[edit]

2002 Kansas gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →

Nominee Kathleen Sebelius Tim Shallenburger Party Democratic Republican Running mate John E. Moore Dave Lindstrom Popular vote 441,858 376,830 Percentage 52.9% 45.1%

County results Sebelius:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Shallenburger:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70% Tie:      40–50%

Governor before election Bill Graves Republican Elected Governor Kathleen Sebelius Democratic

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[edit]

2002 Maine gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →

Nominee John Baldacci Peter Cianchette Jonathan Carter Party Democratic Republican Green Popular vote 238,179 209,496 46,903 Percentage 47.15% 41.47% 9.28%

County results Municipality results Baldacci:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%} Cianchette:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90% Carter:      50-60% Tie:      40-50%      50%

Governor before election Angus King Independent Elected Governor John Baldacci Democratic

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[edit]

2002 Maryland gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →
Turnout	61.85% 1.26%[11]
Nominee Bob Ehrlich Kathleen Kennedy Townsend Party Republican Democratic Running mate Michael Steele Charles R. Larson Popular vote 879,592 813,422 Percentage 51.6% 47.7%
County results Ehrlich:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Townsend:      60–70%      70–80%
Governor before election Parris Glendening Democratic Elected Governor Bob Ehrlich Republican

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 CityorMontgomery County.^[12]

Massachusetts[edit]

2002 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →
Turnout	55.29% 4.1 [13]
Nominee Mitt Romney Shannon O'Brien Party Republican Democratic Running mate Kerry Healey Chris Gabrieli Popular vote 1,091,988 985,981 Percentage 49.8% 44.9%
County results Precinct results Romney:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% O'Brien:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Tie:      40–50%
Governor before election Jane Swift (acting) Republican Elected Governor Mitt Romney Republican

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[edit]

2002 Michigan gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →
Turnout	3,177,565
Nominee Jennifer Granholm Dick Posthumus Party Democratic Republican Running mate John Cherry Loren Bennett Popular vote 1,631,276 1,504,755 Percentage 51.4% 47.4%
County results Granholm:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70% Posthumus:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Governor before election John Engler Republican Elected Governor Jennifer Granholm Democratic

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[edit]

2002 Minnesota gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →

Nominee Tim Pawlenty Roger Moe Tim Penny Party Republican Democratic (DFL) Independence Running mate Carol Molnau Julie Sabo Martha Robertson Popular vote 999,473 821,268 364,534 Percentage 44.4% 36.5% 16.2%

County results Precinct results Pawlenty:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Moe:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Penny:      30–40%      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Tie:      20–30%      30–40%      40–50%      50%

Governor before election Jesse Ventura Independence Elected Governor Tim Pawlenty Republican

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[edit]

2002 Nebraska gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →

Nominee Mike Johanns Stormy Dean Party Republican Democratic Running mate Dave Heineman Melany Chesterman Popular vote 330,349 132,348 Percentage 68.7% 27.5%

County results Johanns:      50–60%      60–70%      70-80%      80–90%

Governor before election Mike Johanns Republican Elected Governor Mike Johanns Republican

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[edit]

2002 Nevada gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →

Nominee Kenny Guinn Joe Neal Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 344,001 110,935 Percentage 68.2% 22.0%

County results Guinn:      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Governor before election Kenny Guinn Republican Elected Governor Kenny Guinn Republican

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[edit]

2002 New Hampshire gubernatorial election

← 2000 November 5, 2002 2004 →

Nominee Craig Benson Mark Fernald Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 259,663 169,277 Percentage 58.7% 38.2%

County results Municipality results Benson:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Fernald:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      >90%

Governor before election Jeanne Shaheen Democratic Elected Governor Craig Benson Republican

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[edit]

2002 New Mexico gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →

Nominee Bill Richardson John Sanchez David Bacon Party Democratic Republican Green Running mate Diane Denish Rod Adair Popular vote 268,693 189,074 26,465 Percentage 55.5% 39.0% 5.5%

County results Richardson:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Sanchez:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election Gary Johnson Republican Elected Governor Bill Richardson Democratic

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[edit]

2002 New York gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →

Nominee George Pataki Carl McCall Tom Golisano Party Republican Democratic Independence Alliance Conservative Working Families Running mate Mary Donohue Dennis Mehiel Mary Donohue Popular vote 2,262,255 1,534,064 654,016 Percentage 49.4% 33.5% 14.3%

County results Pataki:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% McCall:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70% Golisano:      30–40%

Governor before election George Pataki Republican Elected Governor George Pataki Republican

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. As of 2023^[update], 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 Monroeinwestern New York.

Ohio[edit]