1996 Washington gubernatorial election

1996 Washington gubernatorial election

November 5, 1996

Nominee Gary Locke Ellen Craswell Party Democratic Republican Popular vote 1,296,492 940,538 Percentage 58.0% 42.0%

County results Locke:      50–60%      60–70% Craswell:      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election Mike Lowry Democratic Elected Governor Gary Locke Democratic

The State of Washington holds its gubernatorial election every fourth year, concurrent with the United States presidential election. This election took place on November 5, 1996. This gubernatorial race was especially significant in that it resulted in the first Asian American governor in the mainland United States (after George Ariyoshi of island state Hawaii), Democrat Gary Locke.

Though eligible for a second term, incumbent governor Mike Lowry chose not to run for reelection due to allegations of sexual harassment.

Election results

Governor of Washington election, 1996

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Gary Locke	1,296,492	57.96
	Republican	Ellen Craswell	940,538	42.04
	Democratic hold