View source for 2004 United States gubernatorial elections

{{Short description|none}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}

{{Infobox election
| election_name      = 2004 United States gubernatorial elections
| country            = United States
| type               = legislative
| ongoing            = no
| previous_election  = 2003 United States gubernatorial elections
| previous_year      = 2003
| next_election      = 2005 United States gubernatorial elections
| next_year          = 2005
| previous_seat_election = 2000 United States gubernatorial elections
| previous_seat_year = 2000
| next_seat_election = 2008 United States gubernatorial elections
| next_seat_year = 2008
| seats_for_election = 13 governorships<br/>11 states; 2 territories
| election_date      = November 2, 2004
| 1blank             = Seats up
| 2blank             = Seats won
| party1             = Republican Party (United States)
| seats_before1      = '''28'''
| seats_after1       = '''28'''
| seat_change1       = {{steady}}
| popular_vote1      = 7,438,550
| percentage1        = 48.85%
| 1data1             = 5
| 2data1             = 5
| party2             = Democratic Party (United States)
| seats_before2      = 22
| seats_after2       = 22
| seat_change2       = {{steady}}
| popular_vote2      = '''7,534,041'''
| percentage2        = '''49.48%'''
| 1data2             = '''6'''
| 2data2             = '''6'''
| map_image          = {{2004 United States gubernatorial elections imagemap}}
| map_size           = 320px
| map_caption        = '''Map of the results'''<br>{{legend0|#F48984|Republican hold}} {{legend0|#CB001A|Republican gain}}<br>{{legend0|#94C6DF|Democratic hold}} {{legend0|#0272B1|Democratic gain}}<br>{{legend0|#FF80C0|Popular Democratic hold}} {{legend0|#999999|Nonpartisan}}<br>{{legend0|#D0D0D0|No election}}
}}
United States gubernatorial elections were held on November 2, 2004, in 11 states and two territories. There was no net gain in seats for either party, as Democrats picked up an open seat in [[2004 Montana gubernatorial election|Montana]] while defeating incumbent [[Craig Benson]] in [[2004 New Hampshire gubernatorial election|New Hampshire]], while Republicans defeated incumbent [[Joe Kernan (politician)|Joe Kernan]] in [[2004 Indiana gubernatorial election|Indiana]] and won [[2004 Missouri gubernatorial election|Missouri]] after [[Bob Holden]] lost in the primary. These elections coincided with the [[2004 United States presidential election|presidential election]].

== Election predictions ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;"
|-
! State
! Incumbent
! Last<br />race
! [[Sabato's Crystal Ball|Sabato]]<br />{{small|November 3,<br />2008}}<ref>{{cite web | title=THE LAST LAST WORD The Crystal Ball's Final Projections for the 2008 Election | url=https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/ljs2008110301/ | website=Sabato's Crystal Ball | date=3 November 2008 | access-date=December 25, 2021 }}</ref>

! Result
|-
! [[#Delaware|Delaware]]
| {{party shading/Democratic}} | [[Ruth Ann Minner]]
| {{party shading/Democratic}} data-sort-value="-59.2" | 59.2% D
<!--Sab-->|{{USRaceRating|Likely|D}}
| {{party shading/Democratic}} data-sort-value="-50.9" | Minner <br />(50.9%)
|-
! [[#Indiana|Indiana]]
| {{party shading/Democratic}} | [[Joe Kernan (politician)|Joe Kernan]]<br />
| {{party shading/Democratic}} data-sort-value="-56.6" | 56.6% D
<!--Sab-->|{{USRaceRating|Likely|R|flip}}
| {{party shading/Republican}} data-sort-value="53.2" | Daniels<br />(53.2%)
|-
! [[#Missouri|Missouri]]
| {{party shading/Democratic}} | [[Bob Holden]] {{small|(lost renomination)}}
| {{party shading/Democratic}} data-sort-value="-49.1" | 49.1% D
<!--Sab-->|{{USRaceRating|Lean|R|flip}}
| {{party shading/Republican}} data-sort-value="50.8" | [[Matt Blunt|Blunt]]<br />(50.8%)
|-
! [[#Montana|Montana]]
| {{party shading/Republican}} | [[Judy Martz]]<br />  {{small|(retired)}}
| {{party shading/Republican}} data-sort-value="51.0" | 51.0% R
<!--Sab-->|{{USRaceRating|Lean|D|flip}}
| {{party shading/Democratic}} data-sort-value="-50.4" | [[Brian Schweitzer|Schweitzer]] <br />(50.4%)
|-
! [[#New Hampshire|New Hampshire]]
| {{party shading/Republican}} | [[Craig Benson]]<br />
| {{party shading/Republican}} data-sort-value="58.7" | 58.7% R
<!--Sab-->|{{USRaceRating|Lean|R}}
| {{party shading/Democratic}} data-sort-value="-51.0" | [[John Lynch (New Hampshire governor)|Lynch]] <br />(51.0%)
|-
! [[#North Carolina|North Carolina]]
| {{party shading/Democratic}} | [[Mike Easley]]<br />
| {{party shading/Democratic}} data-sort-value="-52.0" | 52.0% D
<!--Sab-->|{{USRaceRating|Likely|D}}
| {{party shading/Democratic}} data-sort-value="-55.6" | Easley<br />(55.6%)
|-
! [[#North Dakota|North Dakota]]
| {{party shading/Republican}} | [[John Hoeven]]
| {{party shading/Republican}} data-sort-value="55.0" | 55.0% R
<!--Sab-->|{{USRaceRating|Safe|R}}
| {{party shading/Republican}} data-sort-value="71.3" | Hoeven <br />(71.3%)
|-
! [[#Utah|Utah]]
| {{party shading/Republican}} | [[Olene Walker]] {{small|(retired)}}
| {{party shading/Republican}} data-sort-value="55.7" | 55.7% R
<!--Sab-->|{{USRaceRating|Lean|R}}
| {{party shading/Republican}} data-sort-value="57.7" | [[Jon Huntsman Jr.|Huntsman Jr.]] <br />(57.7%)
|-
! [[#Vermont|Vermont]]
| {{party shading/Republican}} | [[Jim Douglas]]
| {{party shading/Republican}} data-sort-value="44.9" | 44.9% R
<!--Sab-->|{{USRaceRating|Likely|R}}
| {{party shading/Republican}} data-sort-value="56.3" | Douglas <br />(56.3%)
|-
! [[#Washington|Washington]]
| {{party shading/Democratic}} | [[Gary Locke]] {{small|(retired)}}
| {{party shading/Democratic}} data-sort-value="-58.4" | 58.4% D
<!--Sab-->|{{USRaceRating|Lean|R|flip}}
| {{party shading/Democratic}} data-sort-value="-48.9" | [[Christine Gregoire|Gregoire]] <br />(48.9%)
|-
! [[#West Virginia|West Virginia]]
| {{party shading/Democratic}} | [[Bob Wise]] {{small|(retired)}}
| {{party shading/Democratic}} data-sort-value="-50.1" | 50.1% D
<!--Sab-->|{{USRaceRating|Safe|D}}
| {{party shading/Democratic}} data-sort-value="-63.5" | [[Joe Manchin|Manchin]] <br />(63.5%)
|}

==Race summary==
=== States ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- valign=bottom
! State
! Incumbent
! Party
! First<br>elected
! Result
! Candidates
|-
! [[#Delaware|Delaware]]
| [[Ruth Ann Minner]]
| {{party shading/Democratic}} | Democratic
| [[2000 Delaware gubernatorial election|2000]]
| Incumbent [[2004 Delaware gubernatorial election|re-elected]].
| nowrap | {{plainlist |
* {{party stripe|Democratic Party (US)}}{{aye}} '''[[Ruth Ann Minner]]''' (Democratic) 50.9%
* {{party stripe|Republican Party (US)}}[[Bill Lee (Delaware politician)|Bill Lee]] (Republican) 45.8%
* {{party stripe|Independent (US)}}Frank Infante (Independent) 2.9%
}}
|-
! [[#Indiana|Indiana]]
| [[Joe Kernan (politician)|Joe Kernan]]
| {{party shading/Democratic}} | Democratic
| 2003{{efn|Kernan took office after his predecessor ([[Frank O'Bannon]]) died.}}
| {{party shading/Republican}} | Incumbent lost election to full term.<br>New governor [[2004 Indiana gubernatorial election|elected]].<br>'''Republican gain'''.
| nowrap | {{plainlist |
* {{party stripe|Republican Party (US)}}{{aye}} '''[[Mitch Daniels]]''' (Republican) 53.2%
* {{party stripe|Democratic Party (US)}}[[Joe Kernan (politician)|Joe Kernan]] (Democratic) 45.5%
* {{party stripe|Libertarian Party (US)}}Kenn Gividen (Libertarian) 1.3%
}}
|-
! [[#Missouri|Missouri]]
| [[Bob Holden]]
| {{party shading/Democratic}} | Democratic
| [[2000 Missouri gubernatorial election|2000]]
| {{party shading/Republican}} | Incumbent lost re-nomination.<br>New governor [[2004 Missouri gubernatorial election|elected]].<br>'''Republican gain'''.
| nowrap | {{plainlist |
* {{party stripe|Republican Party (US)}}{{aye}} '''[[Matt Blunt]]''' (Republican) 50.8%
* {{party stripe|Democratic Party (US)}}[[Claire McCaskill]] (Democratic) 47.8%
}}
|-
! [[#Montana|Montana]]
| [[Judy Martz]]
| {{party shading/Republican}} | Republican
| [[2000 Montana gubernatorial election|2000]]
| {{party shading/Democratic}} | Incumbent retired.<br>New governor [[2004 Montana gubernatorial election|elected]].<br>'''Democratic gain'''.
| nowrap | {{plainlist |
* {{party stripe|Democratic Party (US)}}{{aye}} '''[[Brian Schweitzer]]''' (Democratic) 50.4%
* {{party stripe|Republican Party (US)}}[[Bob Brown (Montana politician)|Bob Brown]] (Republican) 46.0%
* {{party stripe|Green Party (US)}}[[Bob Kelleher]] (Green) 1.9%
* {{party stripe|Libertarian Party (US)}}[[Stan Jones (Libertarian politician)|Stan Jones]] (Libertarian) 1.7%
}}
|-
! [[#New Hampshire|New Hampshire]]
| [[Craig Benson]]
| {{party shading/Republican}} | Republican
| [[2002 New Hampshire gubernatorial election|2002]]
| {{party shading/Democratic}} | Incumbent lost re-election.<br>New governor [[2004 New Hampshire gubernatorial election|elected]].<br>'''Democratic gain'''.
| nowrap | {{plainlist |
* {{party stripe|Democratic Party (US)}}{{aye}} '''[[John Lynch (New Hampshire governor)|John Lynch]]''' (Democratic) 51.0%
* {{party stripe|Republican Party (US)}}[[Craig Benson]] (Republican) 48.9%
}}
|-
! [[#North Carolina|North Carolina]]
| [[Mike Easley]]
| {{party shading/Democratic}} | Democratic
| [[2000 North Carolina gubernatorial election|2000]]
| Incumbent [[2004 North Carolina gubernatorial election|re-elected]].
| nowrap | {{plainlist |
* {{party stripe|Democratic Party (US)}}{{aye}} '''[[Mike Easley]]''' (Democratic) 55.6%
* {{party stripe|Republican Party (US)}}[[Patrick J. Ballantine]] (Republican) 42.9%
* {{party stripe|Libertarian Party (US)}}[[Barbara Howe]] (Libertarian) 1.5%
}}
|-
! [[#North Dakota|North Dakota]]
| [[John Hoeven]]
| {{party shading/Republican}} | Republican
| [[2000 North Dakota gubernatorial election|2000]]
| Incumbent [[2004 North Dakota gubernatorial election|re-elected]].
| nowrap | {{plainlist |
* {{party stripe|Republican Party (US)}}{{aye}} '''[[John Hoeven]]''' (Republican) 71.3%
* {{party stripe|North Dakota Democratic-NPL}}[[Joe Satrom]] (Democratic) 27.4%
* {{party stripe|Libertarian Party (US)}}[[Roland Riemers]] (Libertarian) 1.3%
}}
|-
! [[#Utah|Utah]]
| [[Olene Walker]]
| {{party shading/Republican}} | Republican
| 2003{{efn|Walker took office after her predecessor ([[Mike Leavitt]]) resigned.}}
| {{party shading/Republican/Hold}} | Incumbent lost nomination to full term.<br>New governor [[2004 Utah gubernatorial election|elected]].<br>Republican hold.
| nowrap | {{plainlist |
* {{party stripe|Republican Party (US)}}{{aye}} '''[[Jon Huntsman Jr.]]''' (Republican) 57.7%
* {{party stripe|Democratic Party (US)}}[[Scott Matheson Jr.]] (Democratic) 41.3%
}}
|-
! [[#Vermont|Vermont]]
| [[Jim Douglas]]
| {{party shading/Republican}} | Republican
| [[2002 Vermont gubernatorial election|2002]]
| Incumbent [[2004 Vermont gubernatorial election|re-elected]].
| nowrap | {{plainlist |
* {{party stripe|Republican Party (US)}}{{aye}} '''[[Jim Douglas]]''' (Republican) 58.7%
* {{party stripe|Democratic Party (US)}}[[Peter Clavelle]] (Democratic) 37.9%
* {{party stripe|Marijuana Party (US)}}[[Cris Ericson]] (Marijuana) 1.4%
}}
|-
! [[#Washington|Washington]]
| [[Gary Locke]]
| {{party shading/Democratic}} | Democratic
| [[1996 Washington gubernatorial election|1996]]
| {{party shading/Democratic/Hold}} | Incumbent retired.<br>New governor [[2004 Washington gubernatorial election|elected]].<br>Democratic hold.
| nowrap | {{plainlist |
* {{party stripe|Democratic Party (US)}}{{aye}} '''[[Christine Gregoire]]''' (Democratic) 48.9%
* {{party stripe|Republican Party (US)}}[[Dino Rossi]] (Republican) 48.9%
* {{party stripe|Libertarian Party (US)}}Ruth Bennett (Libertarian) 2.3%
}}
|-
! [[#West Virginia|West Virginia]]
| [[Bob Wise]]
| {{party shading/Democratic}} | Democratic
| [[2000 West Virginia gubernatorial election|2000]]
| {{party shading/Democratic/Hold}} | Incumbent retired.<br>New governor [[2004 West Virginia gubernatorial election|elected]].<br>Democratic hold.
| nowrap | {{plainlist |
* {{party stripe|Democratic Party (US)}}{{aye}} '''[[Joe Manchin]]''' (Democratic) 63.5%
* {{party stripe|Republican Party (US)}}Monty Warner (Republican) 34.0%
* {{party stripe|Mountain Party}}[[Jesse Johnson (West Virginia politician)|Jesse Johnson]] (Mountain) 2.5%
}}
|}

=== Territories ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- valign=bottom
! Territory
! Incumbent
! Party
! First<br>elected
! Result
! Candidates
|-
! [[#American Samoa|American Samoa]]
| [[Togiola Tulafono]]
| {{party shading/Democratic}} | Democratic
| 2003{{efn|Tulafono took office after his predecessor ([[Tauese Sunia]]) died.}}
| Incumbent [[2004 American Samoa gubernatorial election|elected to full term]].
| nowrap | {{plainlist |
* {{party stripe|Democratic Party (US)}}{{aye}} '''[[Togiola Tulafono]]''' (Democratic) 55.7%
* {{party stripe|Independent (US)}}Afoa L.S. Lutu (Independent) 44.3%
}}
|-
! [[#Puerto Rico|Puerto Rico]]
| [[Sila María Calderón|Sila Calderón]]
| {{party shading/Popular Democratic Party (Puerto Rico)}} | Popular Democratic
| [[2000 Puerto Rican general election|2000]]
| {{party shading/Republican/Hold}} | Incumbent retired.<br>New governor [[2004 Puerto Rican general election|elected]].<br>Popular Democratic hold.
| nowrap | {{plainlist |
* {{party stripe|Popular Democratic Party (Puerto Rico)}}{{aye}} '''[[Aníbal Acevedo Vilá]]''' (PPD) 48.4%
* {{party stripe|New Progressive Party (Puerto Rico)}}[[Pedro Rosselló]] (PNP) 48.2%
* {{party stripe|Puerto Rican Independence Party}}[[Rubén Berríos]] (PIP) 2.7%
}}
|}

== Closest races ==
States where the margin of victory was under 1%:
# '''<span style="color:blue;">Washington, 0.005%</span>'''
# '''<span style="color:red;">Puerto Rico, 0.2%</span>'''

States where the margin of victory was under 5%:
# '''<span style="color:blue;">New Hampshire, 2.1%</span>'''
# '''<span style="color:red;">Missouri, 3.0%</span>'''
# '''<span style="color:blue;">Montana, 4.4%</span>'''

States where the margin of victory was under 10%:
# '''<span style="color:blue;">Delaware, 5.1%</span>'''
# '''<span style="color:red;">Indiana, 7.7%</span>'''

==Delaware==
{{Main|2004 Delaware gubernatorial election}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name = 2004 Delaware gubernatorial election
| country = Delaware
| type = presidential
| ongoing = no
| previous_election = 2000 Delaware gubernatorial election
| previous_year = 2000
| next_election = 2008 Delaware gubernatorial election
| next_year = 2008
| election_date = November 2, 2004
<!--        Jack Markell       -->
| image1 = [[File:Ruth Ann Minner.jpg|125px]]
| nominee1 = '''[[Ruth Ann Minner]]'''
| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)
| popular_vote1 = '''185,548'''
| percentage1 = '''50.9%'''
<!--          Bill Lee        -->
| image2 = [[File:No image.svg|125px]]
| nominee2 = [[Bill Lee (Delaware politician)|Bill Lee]]
| party2 = Republican Party (United States)
| popular_vote2 = 167,008
| percentage2 = 45.8%
| map_image = 2004 Delaware gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
| map_size  = 210px
| map_caption = County results

'''Minner:''' {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}}<br/>
'''Lee:''' {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} 
| title = Governor
| before_election = [[Ruth Ann Minner]]
| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)
| after_election = [[Ruth Ann Minner]]
| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)
}}
The '''2004 Delaware gubernatorial election''' was held on November 2, 2004, coinciding with the [[2004 United States presidential election|U.S. presidential election]]. Incumbent governor [[Ruth Ann Minner]] faced a serious challenge from retired Superior Court Judge [[Bill Lee (Delaware politician)|Bill Lee]], but managed a five-point victory on election day. {{As of|2022}}, this was the last time [[Kent County, Delaware|Kent County]] voted for the Republican candidate in a gubernatorial election or that the statewide margin was within single digits.
{{clear}}

==Indiana==
{{Main|2004 Indiana gubernatorial election}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name = 2004 Indiana gubernatorial election
| country = Indiana
| type = presidential
| ongoing = no 
| previous_election = 2000 Indiana gubernatorial election
| previous_year = 2000
| next_election = 2008 Indiana gubernatorial election
| next_year = 2008
| election_date = November 2, 2004
| image1 = [[Image:Mitch Daniels.jpg|x150px]]
| nominee1 = '''[[Mitch Daniels]]'''
| party1 = Republican Party (United States)
| running_mate1 = '''[[Becky Skillman]]'''
| popular_vote1 = '''1,302,912'''
| percentage1 = '''53.2%'''
| image2 =  [[File:Joe Kernan.jpg|x150px]]
| nominee2 = [[Joe Kernan (politician)|Joe Kernan]]
| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)
| running_mate2 = [[Kathy Davis]]
| popular_vote2 = 1,113,900
| percentage2 = 45.5%
| map_image = 2004 Indiana gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
| map_size = 250px
| map_caption = County results<br />'''Daniels''': {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}}<br />'''Kernan''': {{legend0|#a5b0ff|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}}<br />'''''Tie''''': {{legend0|#cdafdcff|40–50%}}
| title = Governor
| before_election = [[Joe Kernan (politician)|Joe Kernan]]
| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)
| after_election = [[Mitch Daniels]]
| after_party = Republican Party (United States)
}}
The '''2004 Indiana gubernatorial election''' took place on November 2, 2004, to elect the [[List of governors of Indiana|governor of Indiana]].

Incumbent [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] governor [[Joe Kernan (politician)|Joe Kernan]] was defeated by [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[Mitch Daniels]]. Daniels' victory was the first time the Republican Party had been elected governor since 1984, and gave the party control of all the important statewide offices.<ref name=republicans>{{cite web | url = http://www2.indystar.com/articles/3/192728-8493-168.html | title = Republicans to stand alone at state's helm | access-date = 2008-02-21 | date = 2004-11-07 | work = [[The Indianapolis Star]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071110004107/http://www2.indystar.com/articles/3/192728-8493-168.html | archive-date = 2007-11-10 | url-status = dead }}</ref> It was also the first time an incumbent governor had been defeated since the [[Constitution of Indiana]] was amended in 1972 to permit governors to serve two consecutive terms.<ref name=changes>{{cite web | url = http://www2.indystar.com/articles/1/191537-2331-009.html | title = Daniels vows changes to government, economy after ending Democratic rule | access-date = 2008-02-21 | date = 2004-11-03 | work = [[The Indianapolis Star]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110605065733/http://www2.indystar.com/articles/1/191537-2331-009.html | archive-date = 2011-06-05 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
{{clear}}

==Missouri==
{{Main|2004 Missouri gubernatorial election}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name      = 2004 Missouri gubernatorial election
| country            = Missouri
| type               = presidential
| ongoing            = no
| previous_election  = 2000 Missouri gubernatorial election
| previous_year      = 2000
| next_election      = 2008 Missouri gubernatorial election
| next_year          = 2008
| election_date      = November 2, 2004
| image1             = [[File:Mattblunt3 (cropped).jpg|x150px]]
| nominee1           = '''[[Matt Blunt]]'''
| party1             = Republican Party (United States)
| popular_vote1      = '''1,382,419'''
| percentage1        = '''50.8%'''
| image2             = [[File:Claire McCaskill 2007.jpg|x150px]]
| nominee2           = [[Claire McCaskill]]
| party2             = Democratic Party (United States)
| popular_vote2      = 1,301,442
| percentage2        = 47.9%
| map_image          = 2004 Missouri gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
| map_size           = 270px
| map_caption        =  County results<br />
'''Blunt:''' {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}}<br />'''McCaskill:''' {{legend0|#a5b0ff|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}}
| title              = Governor
| before_election    = [[Bob Holden]]
| before_party       = Democratic Party (United States)
| after_election     = [[Matt Blunt]]
| after_party        = Republican Party (United States)
}}

The '''2004 Missouri gubernatorial election''' was held on November 2, 2004 for the post of [[Governor of Missouri]]. The [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee, [[Missouri Secretary of State]] [[Matt Blunt]], defeated [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] [[State Auditors of Missouri|State Auditor]] [[Claire McCaskill]]. This gave the Republican Party control of both the governorship and the [[Missouri General Assembly]] for the first time in 80 years.<ref name=midwest>{{cite news | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A24024-2004Nov3?language=printer | title = The Midwest | access-date = 2008-02-24 | date = 2004-11-04 | newspaper = [[The Washington Post]] }}{{Dead link|date=September 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Dead link|date=August 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

McCaskill had earlier defeated [[incumbent]] Governor [[Bob Holden]] in the Democratic [[Partisan primary|primary]]. This was the first time a sitting governor of Missouri had been defeated in a primary and the first time any United States governor had lost in a primary since the [[1994 United States gubernatorial elections|1994 elections]].<ref name=blunt>{{cite news| url = https://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/vote2004/2004-11-03-mo-gov-blunt_x.htm | title = Blunt wins Missouri governor's race | access-date = 2008-02-24 | date = 2004-11-03| work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref>

Coincidentally, McCaskill's mother, Betty Anne, had previously been defeated by Blunt's grandfather, [[Leroy Blunt]], in a 1978 General Assembly election. Blunt's father, [[Roy Blunt]], was a congressman and served with McCaskill in the [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] from 2011 to 2019.
{{clear}}

==Montana==
{{Main|2004 Montana gubernatorial election}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name = 2004 Montana gubernatorial election
| country = Montana
| type = presidential
| ongoing = no
| previous_election = 2000 Montana gubernatorial election
| previous_year = 2000
| next_election = 2008 Montana gubernatorial election
| next_year = 2008
| election_date = November 2, 2004
| image1 = [[File:Brian Schweitzer official photo.jpg|x150px]]
| nominee1 = '''[[Brian Schweitzer]]'''
| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)
| running_mate1 = '''[[John Bohlinger]]'''
| popular_vote1 = '''225,016'''
| percentage1 = '''50.4%'''
| image2 = [[File:No image.svg|x120px]]
| nominee2 = [[Bob Brown (Montana politician)|Bob Brown]]
| party2 = Republican Party (United States)
| running_mate2 = [[Dave Lewis (politician)|Dave Lewis]]
| popular_vote2 = 205,313
| percentage2 = 46.0%
| map_image = 2004 Montana gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
| map_size = 300px
| map_caption = County results<br />'''Schweitzer''': {{legend0|#a5b0ff|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}}
<br />'''Brown''': {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}}
| title = Governor
| before_election = [[Judy Martz]]
| before_party = Republican Party (United States)
| after_election = [[Brian Schweitzer]]
| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)
| turnout = 71.4%{{increase}}11.5<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sosmt.gov/elections/voter-turnout/|title=Montana Voter Turnout|website=Montana Secretary of State|date=February 22, 2018 |access-date=2022-05-26}}</ref>
}}
The '''2004 Montana gubernatorial election''' took place on November 2, 2004 for the post of [[List of Governors of Montana|Governor of Montana]]. [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[Brian Schweitzer]] defeated [[Secretary of State of Montana|Montana Secretary of State]] and [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee [[Bob Brown (Montana politician)|Bob Brown]] with 50.4% of the vote against 46%. Schweitzer formed a ticket with a Republican running mate, choosing state legislator [[John Bohlinger]] for the [[List of lieutenant governors of Montana|lieutenant governorship]].
{{clear}}

==New Hampshire==
{{Main|2004 New Hampshire gubernatorial election}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name      = 2004 New Hampshire gubernatorial election
| country            = New Hampshire
| type               = presidential
| ongoing            = no
| previous_election  = 2002 New Hampshire gubernatorial election
| previous_year      = 2002
| next_election      = 2006 New Hampshire gubernatorial election
| next_year          = 2006
| election_date      = November 2, 2004
| image1             = [[File:John Lynch (cropped).jpg|155x155px]]
| nominee1           = '''[[John Lynch (New Hampshire governor)|John Lynch]]'''
| party1             = Democratic Party (United States)
| popular_vote1      = '''340,299'''
| percentage1        = '''51.0%'''
| image2             = [[File:Gov Craig Benson on 9-11-04.JPG|155x155px]]
| nominee2           = [[Craig Benson]]
| party2             = Republican Party (United States)
| popular_vote2      = 325,981
| percentage2        = 48.9%
|map={{switcher
|[[file:2004 New Hampshire gubernatorial election results map by county.svg|x245px]]
|County results 
|[[file:2004 New Hampshire gubernatorial election results map by municipality.svg|x245px]]
|Municipality results}}
| map_caption = '''Lynch:''' {{legend0|#7996E2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674DE|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584CDE|70–80%}} {{legend0|#0d056c|>90%}}<br/>'''Benson:''' {{legend0|#E27F7F|50–60%}} {{legend0|#D75D5D|60–70%}} {{legend0|#c21b18|80–90%}}
{{legend0|#a80000|>90%}}
| title              = Governor
| before_election    = [[Craig Benson]]
| before_party       = Republican Party (United States)
| after_election     = [[John Lynch (New Hampshire governor)|John Lynch]]
| after_party        = Democratic Party (United States)
}}

The '''2004 New Hampshire gubernatorial election''' occurred on November 2, 2004, concurrent with that year's presidential election. [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[John Lynch (New Hampshire governor)|John Lynch]], a multimillionaire businessman from [[Hopkinton, New Hampshire|Hopkinton]], narrowly defeated incumbent [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] governor [[Craig Benson]] of [[Rye, New Hampshire|Rye]], winning a two-year term. Benson was the first New Hampshire governor in 80 years to lose reelection after one term. Lynch was sworn in on January 6, 2005.

To date, Benson is the most recent incumbent governor to lose reelection in any New England state.

==North Carolina==
{{Main|2004 North Carolina gubernatorial election}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name      = 2004 North Carolina gubernatorial election
| country            = North Carolina
| type               = presidential
| ongoing            = no
| previous_election  = 2000 North Carolina gubernatorial election
| previous_year      = 2000
| next_election      = 2008 North Carolina gubernatorial election
| next_year          = 2008
| election_date      = November 2, 2004
| image1             = [[File:Mike Easley.jpg|x145px]]
| nominee1           = '''[[Mike Easley]]'''
| party1             = Democratic Party (United States)
| popular_vote1      = '''1,939,154'''
| percentage1        = '''55.6%'''
| image2             = [[File:Senator Patrick J. Ballantine (cropped).gif|x145px]]
| nominee2           = [[Patrick J. Ballantine|Patrick Ballantine]]
| party2             = Republican Party (United States)
| popular_vote2      = 1,495,021
| percentage2        = 42.9%
| map_image          = {{switcher |[[File:2004 North Carolina gubernatorial election results map by county.svg|325px]] |County results |[[File:NC Governor 2004.svg|325px]] |Precinct results |default=1}}
| map_size           = 325px
| map_caption        = '''Easley:''' {{legend0|#A5B0FF|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}} {{legend0|#0D0596|>90%}}<br/>'''Ballantine:''' {{legend0|#FFB2B2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#E27F7F|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#D72F30|70–80%}} {{legend0|#C21B18|80–90%}}<br/>'''Tie:''' {{legend0|#d2b1d9|40–50%}}
| title              = Governor
| before_election    = [[Mike Easley]]
| before_party       = Democratic Party (United States)
| after_election     = [[Mike Easley]]
| after_party        = Democratic Party (United States)
}}

The '''2004 North Carolina gubernatorial election''' was held on November 2, 2004.  The general election was between the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] incumbent [[Mike Easley]] and the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee [[Patrick J. Ballantine]]. Easley won by 56% to 43%, winning his second term as [[Governor of North Carolina|governor]]. This is the last time a Democrat was elected governor of North Carolina by double digits. 
{{clear}}

==North Dakota==
{{Main|2004 North Dakota gubernatorial election}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name      = 2004 North Dakota gubernatorial election
| country            = North Dakota
| type               = presidential
| ongoing            = no
| previous_election  = 2000 North Dakota gubernatorial election
| previous_year      = 2000
| next_election      = 2008 North Dakota gubernatorial election
| next_year          = 2008
| election_date      = November 2, 2004
| image1             = [[File:John Hoeven.jpg|x150px]]
| nominee1         = '''[[John Hoeven]]'''
| party1             = Republican Party (United States)
| running_mate1      = '''[[Jack Dalrymple]]'''
| popular_vote1      = '''220,803'''
| percentage1        = '''71.3%'''
| image2             = [[File:No image.svg|x120px]]
| nominee2         = [[Joe Satrom]]
| party2             = North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party
| running_mate2      = Deb Mathern
| popular_vote2      = 84,877
| percentage2        = 27.4%
| title              = Governor
| before_election    = [[John Hoeven]]
| before_party       = Republican Party (United States)
| after_election     = [[John Hoeven]]
| after_party        = Republican Party (United States)
| map_image = 2004 North Dakota gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
| map_caption =  County results<br>'''Hoeven''': {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}} {{legend0|#c21b18|80–90%}}<br/>
 '''Satrom''': {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}}
| map_size = 250px
}}

The '''2004 North Dakota gubernatorial election''' took place on 2 November 2004 for the post of [[Governor of North Dakota]]. [[Incumbent]] [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] governor [[John Hoeven]] was easily re-elected defeating [[North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party|Democratic-NPL]] former [[State Senator|state senator]] [[Joe Satrom]].
{{clear}}

==Utah==
{{Main|2004 Utah gubernatorial election}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name = 2004 Utah gubernatorial election
| country = Utah
| type = presidential 
| ongoing = no
| previous_election = 2000 Utah gubernatorial election
| previous_year = 2000
| next_election = 2008 Utah gubernatorial election
| next_year = 2008
| election_date = November 2, 2004
| flag_year = 1922
| image1 = [[File:Jon Huntsman.jpg|x160px]]
| nominee1 = '''[[Jon Huntsman Jr.]]'''
| party1 = Republican Party (United States)
| running_mate1 = '''[[Gary Herbert]]'''
| popular_vote1 = '''531,190'''
| percentage1 = '''57.7%'''
| image2 = [[File:Scott Matheson (cropped).jpg|x160px]]
| nominee2 = [[Scott Matheson Jr.]]
| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)
| running_mate2 = [[Karen Hale]]
| popular_vote2 = 380,359
| percentage2 = 41.4%
| map_image = 2004 Utah gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
| map_size = 220px
| map_caption = County results<br/>'''Huntsman:''' {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}}<br/>'''Matheson:''' {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} 
| title = Governor
| before_election = [[Olene Walker]]
| before_party = Republican Party (United States)
| after_election = [[Jon Huntsman, Jr.]]
| after_party = Republican Party (United States)
}}

The '''2004 Utah gubernatorial election''' took place on November 2, 2004. The incumbent governor was Republican Olene S. Walker, who had become governor following Mike Leavitt's resignation to join the George W. Bush administration. However, Walker placed fourth in the Republican primary, far behind Jon Huntsman Jr. Huntsman won the nomination and went on to win the general election, carrying 25 of the 29 counties and winning 57.7% of the overall vote. This was the last time that a Democratic nominee for any statewide office has received forty percent or more of the popular vote, and the most recent election in which a Democratic nominee carried more than three counties in the state.
{{clear}}

==Vermont==
{{Main|2004 Vermont gubernatorial election}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name      = 2004 Vermont gubernatorial election
| country            = Vermont
| type               = presidential
| ongoing            = no
| previous_election  = 2002 Vermont gubernatorial election
| previous_year      = 2002
| next_election      = 2006 Vermont gubernatorial election
| next_year          = 2006
| election_date      = November 2, 2004
| image1             = [[Image:Jim Douglas-2009 (cropped).jpg|x150px]]
| nominee1           = '''[[Jim Douglas]]'''
| party1             = Vermont Republican Party
| popular_vote1      = '''181,540''' 	
| percentage1        = '''58.7%'''
| image2             = [[File:Peter Clavelle.jpg|x150px]]
| nominee2           = [[Peter Clavelle]]
| party2             = Vermont Democratic Party
| popular_vote2      = 117,327	
| percentage2        = 37.9%
| map                = {{switcher
|[[file:2004 Vermont gubernatorial election results map by county.svg|x210px]]
|County results 
|[[file:2004 Vermont gubernatorial election results map by municipality.svg|x210px]]
|Municipality results }}
| map_caption = '''Douglas:''' {{legend0|#FFB2B2|40-50%}} {{legend0|#E27F7F|50-60%}} {{legend0|#D75D5D|60-70%}} {{legend0|#D72F30|70-80%}} {{nowrap|{{legend0|#c21b18|80-90%}}}}<br/>'''Clavelle:''' {{legend0|#A5B0FF|40-50%}} {{legend0|#7996E2|50-60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60-70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70-80%}}<br/>'''''Tie:''''' {{legend0|#ae8bb1|50-60%}}
| title              = Governor
| before_election    = [[Jim Douglas]]
| before_party       = Vermont Republican Party
| after_election     = [[Jim Douglas]]
| after_party        = Vermont Republican Party
}}

The '''2004 Vermont gubernatorial election''' took place November 2, 2004 for the post of [[Governor of Vermont]]. Incumbent [[Vermont Republican Party|Republican]] governor [[Jim Douglas]] was re-elected. Douglas defeated [[Peter Clavelle]], the [[Vermont Progressive Party|Progressive]] [[List of mayors of Burlington, Vermont|Mayor]] of [[Burlington, Vermont|Burlington]], who ran as a [[Vermont Democratic Party|Democrat]].
{{clear}}

==Washington==
{{Main|2004 Washington gubernatorial election}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name = 2004 Washington gubernatorial election
| country = Washington
| type = presidential
| ongoing = no
| previous_election = 2000 Washington gubernatorial election
| previous_year = 2000
| next_election = 2008 Washington gubernatorial election
| next_year = 2008
| election_date = November 2, 2004
| image1 = [[File:ChristineGregoireOfficial (cropped).jpg|x150px]]
| nominee1 = '''[[Christine Gregoire]]'''
| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)
| popular_vote1 = '''1,373,361'''
| percentage1 = '''48.873%'''
| image2 = [[File:Dino Rossi (cropped).jpg|x150px]]
| nominee2 = [[Dino Rossi]]
| party2 = Republican Party (United States)
| popular_vote2 = 1,373,228
| percentage2 = 48.868%
| map_image = 2004 Washington gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
| map_size = 275px
| map_caption = County results<br />'''Gregoire''': {{legend0|#a5b0ff|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} <br />'''Rossi''': {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}}
| title = Governor
| before_election = [[Gary Locke]]
| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)
| after_election = [[Christine Gregoire]]
| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)
}}

The '''2004 Washington gubernatorial election''' was held on November 2, 2004. The race gained national attention for its legal twists and extremely close finish, among the closest political races in United States election history. [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[Dino Rossi]] was declared the winner in the initial automated count and again in a subsequent automated recount, but after a second recount done by hand, Democrat [[Christine Gregoire]] took the lead by a margin of 129 votes.

Although Gregoire was sworn in as [[governor of Washington]] on January 12, 2005, Rossi did not formally concede and called for a re-vote over concerns about the integrity of the election. The Republican Party filed a lawsuit in [[Chelan County, Washington|Chelan County]] Superior Court contesting the election, but the trial judge ruled against it, citing lack of evidence of deliberate electoral sabotage.<ref>{{cite web|title=Borders et al. v. King County et al. |publisher=SeattleWeekly.com |url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/news/0523/050608_news_electiondecision.php |access-date=June 23, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060525071425/http://www.seattleweekly.com/news/0523/050608_news_electiondecision.php |archive-date=May 25, 2006 }}</ref> Rossi chose not to appeal to the Washington State Supreme Court, formally conceding the election on June 6, 2005.
{{clear}}

==West Virginia==
{{Main|2004 West Virginia gubernatorial election}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name = 2004 West Virginia gubernatorial election
| country = West Virginia
| type = presidential
| ongoing = no
| previous_election = 2000 West Virginia gubernatorial election
| previous_year = 2000
| next_election = 2008 West Virginia gubernatorial election
| next_year = 2008
| election_date = November 2, 2004
| image1 = [[File:Joe Manchin at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, April 16, 2006.jpg|125px]]
| nominee1 = '''[[Joe Manchin]]'''
| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)
| popular_vote1 = '''472,758'''
| percentage1 = '''63.5%'''
| image2 = [[File:No image.svg|125px]]
| nominee2 = Monty Warner
| party2 = Republican Party (United States)
| popular_vote2 = 253,131
| percentage2 = 34.0%
| map_image = 2004 West Virginia gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
| map_size = 250px
| map_caption = County results<br/>'''Manchin:''' {{legend0|#a5b0ff|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} {{nowrap|{{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}}}}<br/>'''Warner:''' {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}}
| title = Governor
| before_election = [[Bob Wise]]
| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)
| after_election = [[Joe Manchin]]
| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)
}}

The '''2004 West Virginia gubernatorial election''' took place on November 2, 2004 for the post of [[Governor of West Virginia]]. [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] [[Secretary of State of West Virginia]] [[Joe Manchin]] defeated [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] Monty Warner. Manchin won all but three counties. Despite Democratic presidential nominee [[John Kerry]] losing the state to [[George W. Bush]] by double digits [[2004 United States presidential election in West Virginia|in the concurrent presidential election]], Manchin won by nearly 30 points.
{{clear}}

==Territories==
===American Samoa===
{{Main|2004 American Samoan general election}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name = 2004 American Samoan general election
| country = American Samoa
| type = presidential
| ongoing = no
| previous_election = 2000 American Samoan general election
| previous_year = 2000
| next_election = 2008 American Samoan general election
| next_year = 2008

<!-- Democrats -->
| image1 = Togiola Tulafono official.jpg
| nominee1 = [[Togiola Tulafono]]
| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)
| 1data1 = '''48.4%'''
| 2data1 = '''6,407 (55.72%)'''

<!-- Independent 1 -->
| image2 = 3x4.svg
| nominee2 = [[Afoa Moega Lutu]]
| party2 = Independent politician
| 1data2 = 39.4%
| 2data2 = 5,091 (44.28%)

<!-- Independent 2 -->
| image3 = 3x4.svg
| nominee3 = [[Alo Paul Stevenson]]
| party3 = Independent politician
| 1data3 = 12.2%
| 2data3 =

<!-- Rounds -->
| 1blank = First round
| 2blank = Second round
}}
{{clear}}

===Puerto Rico===
{{Main|2004 Puerto Rican general election}}
{{Infobox election
| country = Puerto Rico
| previous_election = 2000 Puerto Rican general election
| previous_year = 2000
| next_election = 2008 Puerto Rican general election
| next_year = 2008
| election_date = 2 November 2004
| module = {{Infobox election
| embed = yes
| election_name = Gubernatorial election
| type = presidential
| turnout = 81.22% ({{decrease}}1.00pp)

| image1 = Anibal_Acevedo_Vila.jpg 
| nominee1 = '''[[Aníbal Acevedo Vilá]]'''
| party1 = Popular Democratic Party (Puerto Rico)
| alliance1 = Democratic Party (United States)
| popular_vote1 = '''963,303'''
| percentage1 = '''48.39%'''

| image2 = Dr_Pedro_Rosello.jpg
| nominee2 = [[Pedro Rosselló]]
| party2 = New Progressive Party (Puerto Rico)
| alliance2 = Democratic Party (United States)
| popular_vote2 = 959,737
| percentage2 = 48.21%

| map_image = Puerto Rico Governor 2004.svg
| map_caption = Results by municipality<br/>'''Acevedo Vilá''': {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40-50%}} {{legend0|#e27f7f|50-60%}} <br/>'''Rosselló''': {{legend0|#a5b0ff|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60-70%}} 
| title = Governor
| before_election = [[Sila María Calderón]]
| before_party = Popular Democratic Party (Puerto Rico)
| after_election = [[Aníbal Acevedo Vilá]]
| after_party = Popular Democratic Party (Puerto Rico)
}}}}
{{clear}}

==See also==
*[[2004 United States elections]]
**[[2004 United States presidential election]]
**[[2004 United States Senate elections]]
**[[2004 United States House of Representatives elections]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{United States gubernatorial elections}}
{{2004 United States elections}}

[[Category:2004 United States gubernatorial elections| ]]
[[Category:November 2004 in the United States| ]]