2002 Alabama gubernatorial election

2002 Alabama gubernatorial election

← 1998 November 5, 2002 2006 →
 
Nominee Bob Riley Don Siegelman
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 672,225 669,105
Percentage 49.17% 48.95%

Riley:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Siegelman:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Governor before election

Don Siegelman
Democratic

Elected Governor

Bob Riley
Republican

The 2002 Alabama gubernatorial election was held on November 5. With 669,105 votes or 48.95%, incumbent Democrat Don Siegelman lost re-election to Republican Bob Riley (who got 672,225 votes or 49.17%), a margin of 3,120 votes or 0.22%. The close and controversial election was marked by high turnout. This was the third consecutive Alabama gubernatorial election where the incumbent was defeated. Riley was sworn in on January 20, 2003, marking what is to date the last time the Alabama Governor's office changed partisan control.

Primary elections were held on June 4. Both of the nominees faced less opposition than expected.[citation needed]