2002 United States Gubernatorial Elections (The New Millennium)

The 2002 United States Gubernatorial Elections were held on November 5, 2002, in 36 states and 2 territories. The elections took place in the middle of Al Gore's first term as President and took place nearly 14 months after the September 11 Attacks. The Democrats won 12 seats from Republicans and 1 seat in Maine previously held by Independent Angus King while Republicans won 3 seats from Democrats and 1 seat in Minnestoa previously held by Jesse Ventura who was elected under the Reform Party but later changed affiliation to the Independence Party of Minnesota.

Overall Democrats picked up a net of 10 seats while Republicans lost a net of 8 seats, giving Democrats the majority of state governorships. This is the first time Democrats have won control over the majority of state governorships since 1993. Democrats strong performance in the elections is widely believed to be due to Gore's popularity in the aftermath of the September 11 Attacks.