1982 Massachusetts gubernatorial election


The 1982 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1982. Michael Dukakis was elected to a second non-consecutive term. He beat Republican John W. Sears in the general election, after defeating incumbent Governor Edward J. King in the Democratic primary.
This election notably saw the Dukakis-Kerry ticket for governor and lt. governor, a gubernatorial ticket made up of the future 1988 and 2004 Democratic nominees for President of the United States, who both lost to Bush family members, George H.W. and George W., respectively. Republican candidate Andrew Card also went on to serve in key roles in both Bush administrations, as White House Deputy Chief of Staff, Transportation Secretary, and White House Chief of Staff.

Democratic primary

Governor

Candidates

Campaign

Former Governor Michael Dukakis challenged incumbent Governor Edward J. King in a rematch of the 1978 Democratic primary. This time, Dukakis was victorious, 53–47%.

Lt. Governor

Candidates

Campaign

Incumbent Lt. Governor Thomas P. O'Neill III did not run for re-election. Former Navy Lieutenant and anti-war activist John Kerry won a five-way contest for the Democratic nomination.

Republican primary

Governor

Candidates

Campaign

Lakian, a political newcomer, was the early favorite for the nomination after securing the Republican Party endorsement at the state convention. However, The Boston Globe published a damaging story questioning elements of Lakian's biography, claiming that he had made several exaggerations with respect to his record. After losing the primary, Lakian sued the paper.

Lt. Governor

Candidates

Results

Lombardi was unopposed for the Republican nomination.

General election

Results

Michael Dukakis won the election with 57.9% of the vote, winning every county in the state - 13 with a majority, and one with a plurality.

Results by county

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic