The 1982 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1982. Michael Dukakis was elected to a second non-consecutive term. He beat Republican John W. Sears in the general election, after defeating incumbent Governor Edward J. King in the Democratic primary.

This election notably saw the Dukakis-Kerry ticket for governor and lieutenant governor, a gubernatorial ticket made up of the future 1988 and 2004 Democratic nominees for president of the United States, who both lost to Bush family members, George H. W. and George W., respectively. Republican candidate Andrew Card also went on to serve in key roles in both Bush administrations, as White House deputy chief of staff, transportation secretary, and White House chief of staff.

Democratic primary Governor Candidates Michael Dukakis, former governor Edward J. King, incumbent governor

Withdrew Thomas P. O'Neill III, incumbent lieutenant governor

Campaign Former Governor Michael Dukakis challenged incumbent Governor Edward J. King in a rematch of the 1978 Democratic primary. This time, Dukakis was victorious, 53–47%.

Results

Lt. Governor Candidates John Kerry, veteran and anti-war activist Evelyn Murphy, chair of the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere and former state secretary of Economic Affairs Lou Nickinello, state representative from Natick Lois Pines, former state representative from Newton Samuel Rotondi, state senator from Winchester

Campaign Incumbent Lt. Governor Thomas P. O'Neill III did not run for re-election. Former Navy lieutenant and anti-war activist John Kerry won a five-way contest for the Democratic nomination.

Results

Republican primary Governor Candidates Andrew Card, state representative from Holbrook John Lakian, businessman John Winthrop Sears, former Suffolk County sheriff and Boston city councilman

Campaign Lakian, a political newcomer, was the early favorite for the nomination after securing the Republican Party endorsement at the state convention. However, The Boston Globe published a damaging story questioning elements of Lakian's biography, claiming that he had made several exaggerations with respect to his record. After losing the primary, Lakian sued the paper.

Results

Lawsuit

Lt. Governor Candidates Leon Lombardi, state representative from Easton

Results Lombardi was unopposed for the Republican nomination.

General election Results Michael Dukakis won the election with 57.9% of the vote, winning every county in the state - 13 with a majority, and one (Barnstable) with a plurality.

Results by county 1982 United States gubernatorial election in Massachusetts (by county) County Dukakis - D % Dukakis - D # Sears - R % Sears - R # Others % Others # Total #Barnstable 49.8% 33,942 47.5% 32,379 2.7% 1,899 68,220Berkshire 63.6% 32,453 32.5% 16,585 3.9% 1,995 51,033Bristol 62.2% 96,602 33.8% 52,658 4.0% 6,177 155,737Dukes 62.9% 2,698 33.9% 1,453 3.3% 141 4,292Essex 58.7% 143,900 37.4% 91,633 3.9% 9,617 245,150Franklin 56.1% 13,765 40.5% 9,937 3.5% 853 24,555Hampden 55.7% 77,183 36.4% 50,391 7.9% 10,973 138,547Hampshire 61.7% 29,355 34.3% 16,332 4.1% 1,903 47,589Middlesex 61.5% 319,453 35.1% 182,483 3.4% 17,680 519,616Nantucket 54.7% 1,252 42.4% 970 2.9% 66 2,288Norfolk 57.6% 143,940 38.6% 96,519 3.8% 9,466 249,927Plymouth 52.7% 73,570 43.2% 60,250 4.1% 5,773 139,593Suffolk 65.9% 117,525 29.7% 52,884 4.4% 7,861 178,270Worcester 59.1% 133,171 37.8% 85,205 3.1% 7,061 225,437 Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Barnstable Berkshire Dukes Franklin Hampden Hampshire Nantucket

See also 1981–1982 Massachusetts legislature

References