The 2006 Alaska gubernatorial general election took place on November 7, 2006. Former Wasilla mayor Sarah Palin defeated incumbent governor Frank Murkowski in the Republican primary, and then went on to defeat Democratic former governor Tony Knowles and independent Andrew Halcro in the general election. Palin became the first governor of the state to be born after Alaskan statehood.
Palin would later become the unsuccessful Republican vice presidential nominee in the 2008 United States presidential election before resigning as governor in 2009.
Republican primary
Candidates
John Binkley, Fairbanks businessman and former State Senator from Bethel Gerald Heikes, minister at Anchorage's nondenominational Bethel Chapel and perennial candidate Merica Hlatcu Frank Murkowski, incumbent Governor since 2003 Sarah Palin, former mayor of Wasilla (19962003) and chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (200304)
Incumbent Frank Murkowski, first elected governor in 2002, ran for reelection but was defeated in a landslide in the Republican primary by former Wasilla mayor Sarah Palin on August 22, 2006. Murkowski's approval rating at the time of the election was 19%.
Results
Democratic primary
Candidates
Eric Croft, State Representative from Spenard, Anchorage Tony Knowles, former Governor of Alaska (19942002) Bruce Lemke
Former two-term Governor Tony Knowles and state lawmaker Eric Croft competed for the Democratic ticket for governor. Knowles had a substantial lead over Croft, both at the polls and with fundraising.
Results
General election
Candidates
Andrew Halcro, president and CEO of Avis Alaska and former State Representative from Anchorage (Independent) Tony Knowles, former Governor of Alaska (19952003) (Democratic) David Massie (Green) Sarah Palin, former mayor of Wasilla (19962003) and chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (200304) (Republican) Billy Toien, candidate for governor in 2002 (Libertarian) Don Wright, bush pilot and perennial candidate (Alaska Independence)
Predictions Source Ranking As of The Cook Political Report November 6, 2006 Sabato's Crystal Ball November 6, 2006 Rothenberg Political Report November 2, 2006 Real Clear Politics November 6, 2006
Polling Poll source Date(s) administered SarahPalin (R) TonyKnowles (D)RasmussenRasmussen November 3, 2006 45% 44%RasmussenRasmussen October 9, 2006 47% 40%RasmussenRasmussen September 8, 2006 52% 38%RasmussenRasmussen August 3, 2006 51% 38%Ivan Moore ResearchIvan Moore Research June 7, 2006 39% 43%
Results
See also 2006 United States gubernatorial elections
References
Christiansen, Scott. Anchorage Press. June 22, 2005. Moore, Jason. Croft takes first step into governor's race. KTUU. June 16, 2005. State of Alaska Division of Elections results
External links Office of the Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin for Governor Eric Croft for Governor Ethan Berkowitz for Lt. Governor Tony Knowles for Governor