2002 Connecticut gubernatorial election

For related races, see 2002 United States gubernatorial elections.

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.

2002 Connecticut gubernatorial election

November 5, 2002
Turnout	51.2%
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%
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

General election

Candidates

Democratic

• Bill Curry, Counselor to the President under Clinton Administration, nominee in 1994
  • Running mate: George Jepsen, Connecticut State Senator

Republican

• John G. Rowland, incumbent governor of Connecticut
  • Running mate: Jodi Rell, incumbent lieutenant governor of Connecticut

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report	Likely R	October 31, 2002
Sabato's Crystal Ball	Likely R	November 4, 2002

Results

2002 Connecticut gubernatorial election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	John G. Rowland (incumbent)	573,958	56.1%
	Democratic	Bill Curry	448,984	43.9%
	Write-in		56	0.0%
Total votes			1,022,998	100.0%
	Republican hold

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic

• Windham (largest town: Windham)