The 1998 Maryland gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1998. Incumbent Democratic governor Parris Glendening sought re-election. Governor Glendening emerged victorious from the Democratic primary after defeating several candidates. Former state delegate Ellen Sauerbrey, who was the 1994 Republican nominee for governor, ran again for governor and won her party's nomination. The election between Glendening and Sauerbrey four years prior was extremely contentious, and ended with the Sauerbrey campaign challenging the results. Ultimately, despite the controversial nature of the previous election, Governor Glendening comfortably beat back Sauerbrey's spirited challenge, winning his second and final term as governor. , this was the last time that Allegany County voted Democratic in a gubernatorial election and the last time that the lieutenant gubernatorial nominee of the winning ticket was not a person of color.

Democratic primary

Candidates Lawrence K. Freeman, Lyndon LaRouche activist and perennial candidate Parris Glendening, incumbent governor of Maryland Terence McGuire, physician Eileen M. Rehrmann, Harford County Executive

Withdrew

Ray Schoenke, Insurance executive retired professional football player

Results

Republican primary

Candidates Charles I. Ecker, Howard County Executive Ellen Sauerbrey, former State Delegate and nominee for governor in 1994

General election

Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error ParrisGlendening (D) EllenSauerbrey (R) UndecidedMason-DixonOctober 26–28, 1998827 (LV)± 3.5%44%43%13%Potomac Survey ResearchOctober 23–25, 19981,205 (LV)± 2.8%52%44%4%Washington PostOctober 18–22, 1998919 (LV)± 3.0%49%44%7%Mason-DixonOctober 15–17, 1998821 (LV)± 3.5%46%44%10%Potomac Survey ResearchSeptember 29 – October 3, 19981,204 (LV)± 3.0%45%47%8%Mason-DixonSeptember 18–20, 1998804 (LV)± 3.5%45%44%11%Potomac Survey ResearchSeptember 3–7, 19981,204 (LV)± 2.8%45%44%11%Mason-DixonJuly 16–18, 1998847 (LV)± 3.5%48%41%11%Potomac Survey ResearchJuly 9–13, 19981,204 (LV)± 2.8%44%38%18%Washington PostJune 11–17, 19981,055 (RV)± 3.0%50%38%12%Mason-DixonApril 2–5, 1998803 (LV)± 3.5%45%41%14%Mason-DixonJanuary 14–16, 1998801 (LV)± 3.5%43%40%17%Mason-DixonJuly 17–19, 1997805 (RV)± 3.5%42%45%13%Mason-DixonJanuary 7–10, 1997803 (RV)± 3.3%44%37%19%

Results

Notes

Partisan clients

References