2006 Connecticut gubernatorial election


The 2006 Connecticut gubernatorial election occurred on November 7, 2006. Incumbent Republican Jodi Rell became governor when John G. Rowland resigned on corruption charges in 2004. Rell had an approval rating of 70% as of October 19, 2006, and polls showed her leading the Democratic nominee, New Haven mayor John DeStefano by a near 30-point margin. As expected, she won the election to a full term in a landslide. DeStefano defeated Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy in the Connecticut Democratic gubernatorial primary on August 8. As of, this is the last time a Republican and woman was elected Governor of Connecticut, and the last time any gubernatorial candidate won every county in the state to date.

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

Governor Rell was unopposed for renomination.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

Declined

Independents and third parties

Green Party

Concerned Citizens Party

  • Joseph A. Zdonczyk, retired businessman; U.S. Army veteran; Concerned Citizens Party founder

Independent

  • John M. Joy

General election

Results

The following are the results of the 2006 election: Rell won every county and all but seven towns. Notably, DeStefano won the capital city of Hartford, the largest city of Bridgeport, and his hometown of New Haven.

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

By congressional district

Rell won all five congressional districts, including four that elected Democrats.
DistrictRellDeStefano Jr.Representative
58%41%John B. Larson
63%35%Rob Simmons
63%35%Joe Courtney
61%37%Rosa DeLauro
67%32%Christopher Shays
67%32%Nancy L. Johnson
67%32%Chris Murphy