2002 Nevada gubernatorial election

The 2002 Nevada gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Republican Governor Kenny Guinn defeated Democratic nominee and Nevada Senator Joe Neal in a landslide to win a second term.

As of 2023, this was the most recent Nevada gubernatorial election in which both major party candidates are now deceased. This election was the first time since 1954 that an incumbent Republican Governor of Nevada was re-elected.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Joe Neal, Nevada Senator and candidate in 1998
• Barbara Scott, public accountant
• Dan Meyer
• Christopher J. Petrella, veteran

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

• Kenny Guinn, incumbent Governor of Nevada
• Shirley Cook, retired court reporter
• Bruce Westcott, businessman
• Bill Hiett, rancher
• Stan Lusak, retired janitor and postal employee
• James K. Prevot
• Carlo Poliak, perennial candidate

Results

General election

Predictions

Polling

Results

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

• Mineral (largest municipality: Hawthorne)

Notes

References