1996 Washington gubernatorial election

1996 Washington gubernatorial election

← 1992 November 5, 1996 2000 →
 
Nominee Gary Locke Ellen Craswell
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 1,296,492 940,538
Percentage 57.96% 42.04%

County results
Locke:      50–60%      60–70%
Craswell:      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election

Mike Lowry
Democratic

Elected Governor

Gary Locke
Democratic

The 1996 Washington gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1996. Though eligible for a second term, incumbent governor Mike Lowry chose not to run for reelection following a series of personal and public scandals, including allegations of sexual harassment.[1] This gubernatorial race was especially significant in that it resulted in the first Asian American governor in the mainland United States (after George Ariyoshi of island state Hawaii), Democrat Gary Locke.

  1. ^ "Lowry Declares He's Out Of Running Surprise Announcement Throws Governor's Race Wide Open | The Spokesman-Review". www.spokesman.com. Retrieved October 19, 2024.