The 2002 Iowa gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Democratic Governor of Iowa Tom Vilsack sought re-election to a second term as governor. He won his party's nomination uncontested, while Doug Gross, an advisor to former and future Governor Terry Branstad, narrowly won the Republican primary in a crowded and competitive 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.
Democratic primary
Candidates Tom Vilsack, incumbent Governor of Iowa
Results
Republican primary
Candidates Doug Gross, advisor to former Governor Terry Branstad Steve Sukup, Iowa State Representative (1995–2003) Bob Vander Plaats, family values activist
Results
General election Debate + 2002 Iowa gubernatorial election debate Date Host Moderator Link Democratic RepublicanKey: Participant Absent Not invited Invited Withdrawn Tom Vilsack Doug Gross1 Oct. 12, 2002 Des Moines Register Paul Anger C-SPAN
Predictions SourceRankingAs ofThe Cook Political Report October 31, 2002Sabato's Crystal Ball November 4, 2002
Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin TomVilsack (D) DougGross (R) Other /UndecidedSurveyUSASurveyUSA October 27–29, 2002 614 (LV) ± 4.1% 56% 42% 3%
Results
Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Adams (largest city: Corning) Hardin (largest city: Iowa Falls) Winnebago (largest city: Forest City) Clarke (largest city: Osceola) Louisa (largest city: Wapello) Mitchell (largest city: Osage) Union (largest city: Creston) Appanoose (Largest city: Centerville) Decatur (Largest city: Lamoni) Lucas (Largest city: Chariton) Monona (Largest city: Onawa) Ringgold (Largest city: Mount Ayr) Taylor (Largest city: Bedford) Wayne (Largest city: Corydon) Wright (Largest city: Eagle Grove) Cherokee (Largest city: Cherokee) Calhoun (Largest city: Rockwell City) Carroll (Largest city: Carroll) Keokuk (Largest city: Sigourney) Woodbury (Largest city: Sioux City) Washington (Largest city: Washington) Pocahontas (Largest city: Pocahontas) Franklin (Largest city: Hampton) Delaware (Largest city: Manchester) Humboldt (largest city: Humboldt) Adair (Largest city: Greenfield) Scott (largest city: Davenport)
Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican Jefferson (Largest city: Fairfield) Dickinson (Largest city: Spirit Lake) Sac (largest city: Sac City) Winneshiek (largest city: Decorah)
By congressional district Vilsack won four of five congressional districts, including three that elected Republicans. District Vilsack Gross Representative 54% 43%Jim Nussle 56% 40%Jim Leach 54% 44%Leonard Boswell 54% 43%Tom Latham 44% 53%Steve King
See also 2002 United States gubernatorial elections State of Iowa Governors of Iowa
Notes
References
External links Official campaign websites (archived) Tom Vilsack (D) for Governor Doug Gross (R) for Governor