1990 Idaho gubernatorial election
The 1990 Idaho gubernatorial election was held on November 6 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 2022, this was the last time a Democrat was 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 |