2001 Virginia gubernatorial election


The 2001 Virginia gubernatorial election was held on November 6, 2001, to elect the next governor of Virginia. The election was concurrent with other elections for Virginia's statewide offices, the House of Delegates, and other various political offices. Incumbent Republican governor Jim Gilmore was ineligible to run for re-election, as the Constitution of Virginia prohibits its governors from serving consecutive terms. Former chair of the Virginia Democratic Party, Mark Warner defeated Republican Attorney General Mark Earley by 5.13%.
As of 2026, this is the most recent election where the Democratic candidate won the majority of counties and independent cities.

General election

Campaign

Warner made a conscious effort to appeal to voters in rural Virginia, personified by his official campaign song, written by the Bluegrass Brothers. The song was considered an essential part of Warner's outreach to rural Virginia, with the lyrics emphasizing Warner's understanding of the culture of that part of the state.

Results

Counties and independent cities that flipped from Republican to Democratic