1990 Idaho gubernatorial election
The 1990 Idaho gubernatorial election was held on November 6, 1990, to elect the Governor of the state of Idaho. Cecil Andrus, the Democratic incumbent, ran for an unprecedented fourth term.[1] Roger Fairchild, a former state senate majority leader from Fruitland,[2] won the Republican nomination in May,[3][4] but was easily defeated in November by the popular Andrus.[5][6]
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 County results Andrus: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% Fairchild: 50–60% | |||||||||||||||||
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This was the sixth consecutive win for the Democrats, which started with Andrus' first victory twenty years earlier in 1970. As of 2023, this is the last time that a Democrat has been elected Governor of Idaho.
Primary elections
Primary elections were held on May 22, 1990.[7][8][9]
Candidate
- Cecil Andrus, incumbent governor (unopposed)[8]
Republican primary
Candidates
- Roger Fairchild, Fruitland executive, former state senator (majority leader)[2]
- Rachel Gilbert, Boise, state senator, anti-wilderness activist[10]
- Milt Erhart, Boise stockbroker[11]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Roger Fairchild | 37,728 | 37.09 | |
| Republican | Rachel Gilbert | 33,483 | 32.92 | |
| Republican | Milt Erhart | 30,514 | 30.00 | |
| Total votes | 101,725 | 100.00 | ||
General election
| Elections in Idaho |
|---|
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Campaign
Although Fairchild attempted to capitalize on his business experience and Andrus' veto of a bill passed by the state legislature severely restricting abortion earlier in the year,[13][14] the incumbent's personal popularity in Idaho proved to be too much to overcome.[5][6]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Cecil Andrus (inc.) | 218,673 | 68.21% | +18.28% | |
| Republican | Roger Fairchild | 101,937 | 31.79% | -17.19% | |
| Majority | 116,736 | 36.41% | +35.47% | ||
| Turnout | 320,610 | ||||
| Democratic hold | Swing | ||||
References
- Trillhaase, Marty; Loftus, Bill (March 20, 1990). "Andrus seeks 4th term". Lewiston Morning Tribune. p. 1A.
- Trillhaase, Marty (May 20, 1990). "Fairchild's on a 1-year-long roller coaster". Lewiston Morning Tribune. p. 1C.
- Warbis, Mark (May 23, 1990). "Fairchild grabs governor race". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. p. 1A.
- "Fairchild will try to unseat Andrus". Idahonian. (Moscow). Associated Press. May 23, 1990. p. 10A.
- "Andrus' 4th win boosts Democrats". Idahonian. (Moscow). Associated Press. November 7, 1990. p. 3A.
- "Andrus, Craig record lopsided wins". Spokane Chronicle. (Washington). Associated Press. November 7, 1990. p. B5.
- Thompson, Steve (May 18, 1990). "Gov. hopefuls: Andrus spells disaster". Idahonian. (Moscow). p. 12A.
- "Idaho voters sort out the winners, losers today". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Associated Press. May 22, 1990. p. 1A.
- Kenyon, Quayne (May 24, 1990). "Early birds got the election wins". Idahonian. (Moscow). Associated Press. p. 3A.
- Trillhaase, Marty (May 20, 1990). "Gilbert insists she's readiest for November". Lewiston Morning Tribune. p. 1C.
- Trillhaase, Marty (May 20, 1990). "Erhart brings unusual ideas to campaign". Lewiston Morning Tribune. p. 1C.
- "Our Campaigns - ID Governor - R Primary Race - May 22, 1990".
- Trillhaase, Marty (March 30, 1990). "Abortion ban vetoed". Lewiston Morning Tribune. p. 1A.
- "Andrus vetoes abortion ban". Idahonian. (Moscow). Associated Press. March 31, 1990. p. 1A.
- http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/abstract/90gnabst.xls 1990 Idaho Statewide totals
| Preceded by 1986 |
Idaho gubernatorial elections | Succeeded by 1994 |