The 1994 Connecticut gubernatorial election took place on November 8, 1994, to elect the governor of Connecticut. Republican John G. Rowland won the open seat following the retirement of A Connecticut Party Governor Lowell Weicker. The election was a four-way race between A Connecticut Party Lieutenant Governor Eunice Groark, Republican U.S. Congressman John G. Rowland, Democratic state comptroller Bill Curry, and independent conservative talk show host Tom Scott. Rowland won the election with just 36% of the vote.
As a result of Public Act 93-342, which was passed by the General Assembly in 1993, the threshold of delegate support a candidate required at a nominating convention in order to force a primary was reduced from 20% to 15%, making this the first election under these new election laws.
Republican primary Governor Candidates Nominee John G. Rowland, former U.S. Representative for CT-05
Eliminated in primary Pauline R. Kezer, Secretary of the State of Connecticut
Results
Lieutenant governor Candidates Nominee Jodi Rell, state Representative from the 107th district (Running mate of Rowland)
Eliminated in primary Joseph J. Rucci Jr., New Canaan lawyer (Running mate of Kezer)
Results
Democratic primary Candidates Nominee Bill Curry, State Comptroller
Eliminated in primary John B. Larson, President Pro Tempore of the State Senate from the 3rd district
Withdrew Joe Ganim, Mayor of Bridgeport Richard J. Balducci, State Senator from the 9th district and former Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives (1989–1993)
Results
General election Candidates Bill Curry (D), Connecticut State Comptroller Running mate: Joe Ganim, Mayor of Bridgeport John G. Rowland (R), former U.S. Representative for CT-05 Running mate: Jodi Rell, Member of the Connecticut House of Representatives Eunice Groark (ACP), incumbent Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut Running mate: Audrey Rowe Tom Scott (I), radio talk show host, and realtor Running mate: Glen O'Keefe
Polling Source Date John G.Rowland (R) BillCurry (D) EuniceGroark (ACP) TomScott (I) Hartford Courant November 7, 1994 30% 25% 18% 11% New London Day November 6, 1994 28% 31% 13% 12% Manchester Journal October 23, 1994 37% 22% — —
Results
By congressional district Rowland won four of six congressional districts, including one that elected a Democrat. District Groark Rowland Curry Scott Representative 24% 22% 36% 16%Barbara Kennelly 27% 28% 32% 13%Sam Gejdenson 16% 38% 37% 9%Rosa DeLauro 14% 49% 33% 3%Chris Shays 11% 51% 28% 9%Gary Franks 20% 32% 30% 17%Nancy Johnson
References