1998 Massachusetts gubernatorial election


The 1998 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 1998. Acting Governor Paul Cellucci was elected to his first term as Governor of Massachusetts.

Republican primary

Governor

Candidates

Declared
The race between Cellucci and Malone was acrimonious, with each candidate accusing the other of committing ethical violations.

Results

On September 16, Cellucci defeated Malone to win his party's nomination.

Lieutenant Governor

Candidates

Declared

Democratic primary

Governor

Candidates

Declared

Lieutenant Governor

Candidates

Declared

General election

Campaign

After Harshbarger's primary victory, many moderate Democrats who had voted for McGovern or Donnelly, chose to support the socially liberal, fiscally moderate Cellucci instead of the more liberal Harshbarger.

Polling

In a January opinion poll, Cellucci lead Harshbarger 50%-30%. By August, Harshbarger had taken a 37%-35% lead over Cellucci.

Results

On November 3, Cellucci defeated Harshbarger by 65,317 votes.