2002 New Mexico gubernatorial election

New Mexico gubernatorial election, 2002

November 5, 2002

Nominee Bill Richardson John Sánchez David Bacon Party Democratic Republican Green Running mate Diane Denish Rod Adair Kathleen Sanchez Popular vote 268,693 189,074 26,465 Percentage 55.49% 39.05% 5.47%

Governor before election Gary Johnson Republican Elected Governor Bill Richardson Democratic

The New Mexico gubernatorial election of 2002 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. Current 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.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Bill Richardson, former Congressman, United States Secretary of Energy, and United States Ambassador to the United Nations
• Mike Nalley (write-in)

Results

Democratic primary results
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Bill Richardson	147,524	99.80
	Democratic	Mike Nalley (write-in)	294	0.20
Total votes			147,818	100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

• John Sánchez, New Mexico State Representative
• Walter Bradley, Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico
• Robert M. Burpo, New Mexico State Senator
• Gilbert S. Baca, New Mexico State Representative

Results

Republican primary results
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	John Sánchez	55,102	58.53
	Republican	Walter Bradley	33,206	35.27
	Republican	Robert M. Burpo	3,864	4.10
	Republican	Gilbert S. Baca	1,979	2.10
Total votes			94,151	100.00

General election

Candidates

• Bill Richardson (D), former Congressman, United States Secretary of Energy, and United States Ambassador to the United Nations
• John Sánchez (R), New Mexico State Representative
• David Bacon (G)

Results

General election results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Bill Richardson	268,693	55.49%	+10.02%
	Republican	John Sanchez	189,074	39.05%	-15.48%
	Green	David Bacon	26,465	5.47%
Majority			79,619	16.44%	+7.38%
Turnout			484,233
	Democratic gain from Republican		Swing