2002 Minnesota gubernatorial election

The 2002 Minnesota gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2002 for the post of governor of Minnesota. Republican candidate Tim Pawlenty defeated Democratic candidate Roger Moe and Independence Party of Minnesota candidate Tim Penny. Incumbent Governor Jesse Ventura chose not to seek re-election. Pawlenty comfortably won the election, which was attributed in part to Moe's uninspired campaign, with Moe having been dubbed a "cautious dullard" four years later by the City Pages.

Republican primary

Candidates

Leslie Davis, former Minneapolis mayoral candidate in 1994
Tim Pawlenty, majority leader of the Minnesota House of Representatives

DFL primary

In May 2002, the DFL formally endorsed Moe over rival Judi Dutcher, the Minnesota State Auditor. Becky Lourey, a member of the Minnesota Senate, was also a contender before dropping out.

Candidates

Roger Moe, majority leader of the Minnesota Senate
Oloveuse S. "Ole" Savior, artist and perennial candidate.

General election

Polling

Polls indicated a dead heat between Penny, Moe, and Pawlenty less than a month before the election. A poll by the Star Tribune had Moe and Penny tied at 27%, and Pawlenty ahead with 29%.

Results

Counties that flipped from Reform to Republican

Counties that flipped from Reform to Democratic

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic

Counties that flipped from Republican to Independence

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Independence

Mower