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{{Short description|none}}
{{for|related races|2004 United States gubernatorial elections}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Infobox election
{{Infobox election
| election_name = 2004 Utah gubernatorial election
| election_name = 2004 Utah gubernatorial election
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| next_year = 2008
| next_year = 2008
| election_date = November 2, 2004
| election_date = November 2, 2004
| flag_year = 1913
| flag_year = 1922
| image1 = [[File:Jon Huntsman.jpg|x160px]]
| image1 = File:Jon Huntsman.jpg
| image_size = x150px
| nominee1 = '''[[Jon Huntsman Jr.]]'''
| nominee1 = '''[[Jon Huntsman Jr.]]'''
| party1 = Republican Party (United States)
| party1 = Republican Party (United States)
| running_mate1 = '''[[Gary Herbert]]'''
| running_mate1 = '''[[Gary Herbert]]'''
| popular_vote1 = '''531,190'''
| popular_vote1 = '''531,190'''
| percentage1 = '''57.7%'''
| percentage1 = '''57.74%'''
| image2 = [[File:Scott Matheson (cropped).jpg|x160px]]
| image2 = File:Scott Matheson (cropped).jpg
| nominee2 = [[Scott Matheson Jr.]]
| nominee2 = [[Scott Matheson Jr.]]
| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)
| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)
| running_mate2 = [[Karen Hale]]
| running_mate2 = [[Karen Hale]]
| popular_vote2 = 380,359
| popular_vote2 = 380,359
| percentage2 = 41.4%
| percentage2 = 41.35%
| map_image = Utah Governor Election Results by County 2004.svg
| map_image = 2004 Utah gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
| map_size = 150px
| map_size = 230px
| map_caption = County results<br />'''Huntsman:''' {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}}<br />'''Matheson:''' {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}}
| map_caption = County Results <br/>
'''Huntsman:''' {{legend0|#e27f7f|50-60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60-70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70-80%}}
'''Matheson:''' {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}}
| title = Governor
| title = Governor
| before_election = [[Olene Walker]]
| before_election = [[Olene Walker]]
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}}
}}
{{ElectionsUT}}
{{ElectionsUT}}
The '''2004 Utah gubernatorial election''' took place on November 2, 2004. The incumbent governor was Republican Olene S. Walker, who had become governor following Mike Leavitt's resignation to join the George W. Bush administration. However, Walker placed fourth in the Republican primary, far behind Jon Huntsman Jr. Huntsman won the nomination and went on to win the general election, carrying 25 of the 29 counties and winning 57.7% of the overall vote. As of 2019, this was the last time that a Democratic nominee for any statewide office has received forty percent or more of the popular vote, and the most recent election in which a Democratic nominee carried more than three counties in the state.
The '''2004 Utah gubernatorial election''' took place on November 2, 2004. The incumbent governor was Republican Olene S. Walker, who had become governor following Mike Leavitt's resignation to join the George W. Bush administration. However, Walker placed fourth in the Republican primary, far behind Jon Huntsman Jr. Huntsman won the nomination and went on to win the general election, carrying 25 of the 29 counties and winning 57.7% of the overall vote. This was the last time that a Democratic nominee for any statewide office has received forty percent or more of the popular vote, and the most recent election in which a Democratic nominee carried more than three counties in the state.


==Background==
==Background==
In March 2003, Huntsman resigned his post in the Bush administration. In mid-August, three term incumbent Governor [[Mike Leavitt]], whom Huntsman strongly supported, decided not to run for re-election to a fourth term, in order to become the [[Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency]] under the Bush administration.<ref>{{cite news| title=Bush picks Utah governor for EPA |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CTOR&p_multi=CTSB&p_theme=ctor&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11650B303A268920&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | first=Larry | last=Swisher}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Leavitt's move is a gamble |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SLTB&p_theme=sltb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=100D37EC86582092&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | work=Salt Lake Tribune, The | first=Dan | last=Harrie | date=August 18, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=DSNB&d_place=DSNB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0FA1DD71B9919240&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | date=March 30, 2003}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, Huntsman filed papers to run for [[Governor of Utah]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/510053399/Huntsman-Jr-files-campaign-papers.html |title=Huntsman Jr. files campaign papers |publisher=Deseret News |date=2003-09-11 |accessdate=2011-10-04}}</ref> In November 2003, [[Lieutenant Governor of Utah|Lieutenant Governor]] [[Olene S. Walker]] became the Utah's first female governor as Leavitt was confirmed to become EPA Administrator.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/525035968/Walker-sworn-in-as-Utahs-first-female-governor.html | title=Walker sworn in as Utah's first female governor| date=2003-11-05}}</ref>
In March 2003, Huntsman resigned his post in the Bush administration. In mid-August, three term incumbent Governor [[Mike Leavitt]], whom Huntsman strongly supported, decided not to run for re-election to a fourth term, in order to become the [[Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency]] under the Bush administration.<ref>{{cite news| title=Bush picks Utah governor for EPA |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CTOR&p_multi=CTSB&p_theme=ctor&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11650B303A268920&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | first=Larry | last=Swisher}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Leavitt's move is a gamble |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SLTB&p_theme=sltb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=100D37EC86582092&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | work=Salt Lake Tribune, The | first=Dan | last=Harrie | date=August 18, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=DSNB&d_place=DSNB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0FA1DD71B9919240&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=NewsLibrary|date=March 30, 2003}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, Huntsman filed papers to run for [[Governor of Utah]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/510053399/Huntsman-Jr-files-campaign-papers.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321171326/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/510053399/Huntsman-Jr-files-campaign-papers.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 21, 2012 |title=Huntsman Jr. files campaign papers |publisher=Deseret News |date=2003-09-11 |access-date=2011-10-04}}</ref> In November 2003, [[Lieutenant Governor of Utah|Lieutenant Governor]] [[Olene S. Walker]] became the Utah's first female governor as Leavitt was confirmed to become EPA Administrator.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/525035968/Walker-sworn-in-as-Utahs-first-female-governor.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304065045/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/525035968/Walker-sworn-in-as-Utahs-first-female-governor.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 4, 2016 | title=Walker sworn in as Utah's first female governor| website=[[Deseret News]]| date=2003-11-05}}</ref>


==Democratic nomination==
==Democratic nomination==
[[Scott Matheson, Jr.]] entered the race on March 27, 2004.<ref name="desert_news">{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595052120/Scott-Matheson-enters-race-for-governor.html |title = Scott Matheson enters race for governor|date = 2004-03-28}}</ref> He won the May Democratic nomination unopposed.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595062009/No-Demo-runoffs-protest-targets-Rep-Matheson.html |title = No Demo runoffs; protest targets Rep. Matheson|date = 2004-05-09}}</ref>
[[Scott Matheson, Jr.]] entered the race on March 27, 2004.<ref name="desert_news">{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595052120/Scott-Matheson-enters-race-for-governor.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121121139/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595052120/Scott-Matheson-enters-race-for-governor.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 21, 2013 |title = Scott Matheson enters race for governor| website=[[Deseret News]] |date = 2004-03-28}}</ref> He won the May Democratic nomination unopposed.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595062009/No-Demo-runoffs-protest-targets-Rep-Matheson.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002527/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595062009/No-Demo-runoffs-protest-targets-Rep-Matheson.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 4, 2016 |title = No Demo runoffs; protest targets Rep. Matheson| website=[[Deseret News]] |date = 2004-05-09}}</ref>


==Republican primary==
==Republican primary==


===Convention===
===Convention===
;Candidates
'''Candidates'''
*Gary Benson, businessman
*Gary Benson, businessman
*[[James V. Hansen|James Hansen]], U.S. Congressman of [[Utah's 1st congressional district]]
*[[James V. Hansen|James Hansen]], U.S. Congressman of [[Utah's 1st congressional district]]
*Parley Hellewell, State Senator
*[[Parley Hellewell]], State Senator
*[[Jon Huntsman, Jr.]], Trade Ambassador for [[George W. Bush administration|President Bush's administration]] and former CEO of [[Huntsman Chemical Corporation]]
*[[Jon Huntsman, Jr.]], Trade Ambassador for [[George W. Bush administration|President Bush's administration]] and former CEO of [[Huntsman Chemical Corporation]]
*[[Nolan E. Karras|Nolan Karras]], State Representative
*[[Nolan Karras]], State Representative
*Fred Lampropoulos, CEO of Merit Medical Systems
*Fred Lampropoulos, CEO of Merit Medical Systems
*Martin Stephens, State Representative
*Martin Stephens, State Representative
*[[Olene S. Walker|Olene Walker]], incumbent Governor
*[[Olene Walker]], incumbent Governor


;Results, First Round
'''Results, first round'''<br />
{{Election box begin no change
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Republican Convention results<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=7060 |title = Our Campaigns - UT Governor - R Convention Race - May 08, 2004}}</ref>
| title = Republican Convention results<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=7060 |title = Our Campaigns - UT Governor - R Convention Race - May 08, 2004}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Jon Huntsman Jr.
| candidate = [[Jon Huntsman Jr.]]
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 959
| votes = 959
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}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Nolan Karras
| candidate = [[Nolan Karras]]
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 607
| votes = 607
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}}
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Olene Walker (incumbent)
| candidate = [[Olene Walker]] (incumbent)
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 495
| votes = 495
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}}
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = James Hansen
| candidate = [[James V. Hansen|James Hansen]]
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 278
| votes = 278
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}}
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Parley Hellewell
| candidate = [[Parley Hellewell]]
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 121
| votes = 121
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{{Election box end}}
{{Election box end}}


;Results, Final Round, [[instant-runoff]]
'''Results, final round, [[instant-runoff]]'''<br />
{{Election box begin no change
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Republican Convention Results: Candidates Reduced to Two with Instant Runoff<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595062022/GOP-selects-Huntsman-Karras.html |title = GOP selects Huntsman, Karras|date = 2004-05-09}}</ref>,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://archive.fairvote.org/irv/utahresults.htm |title = May 8}}</ref>
| title = Republican Convention Results: Candidates Reduced to Two with Instant Runoff<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595062022/GOP-selects-Huntsman-Karras.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625150115/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595062022/GOP-selects-Huntsman-Karras.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=June 25, 2011 |title = GOP selects Huntsman, Karras| website=[[Deseret News]] |date = 2004-05-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title= May 8, 2004 Utah GOP convention Gubernatorial, US Congressional, and National Committeeman/Comitteewoman race results |url=http://archive.fairvote.org/irv/utahresults.htm}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Jon Huntsman Jr.
| candidate = [[Jon Huntsman Jr.]]
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 1,707
| votes = 1,707
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}}
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Nolan Karras
| candidate = [[Nolan Karras]]
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 1,622
| votes = 1,622
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===Primary===
===Primary===
;Candidates
'''Candidates'''
*[[Jon Huntsman, Jr.]], Trade Ambassador for [[George W. Bush administration|President Bush's administration]] and former CEO of [[Huntsman Chemical Corporation]]
*[[Jon Huntsman Jr.]], Trade Ambassador for [[George W. Bush administration|President Bush's administration]] and former CEO of [[Huntsman Chemical Corporation]]
*[[Nolan E. Karras|Nolan Karras]], State Representative
*[[Nolan E. Karras|Nolan Karras]], State Representative


;Campaign
'''Campaign'''<br />
Huntsman gained the endorsements from U.S. Senator [[Jake Garn]]<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/590042998/Garn-endorsing-Jon-Huntsman-Jr.html |title = Garn endorsing Jon Huntsman Jr|date = 2004-02-13}}</ref> and former U.S. President [[George H. W. Bush]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595070455/Bush-Sr-backs-Huntsman.html | title=Bush Sr. Backs Huntsman| date=2004-06-15}}</ref> Polls showed he was the front-runner.
Huntsman gained the endorsements from U.S. Senator [[Jake Garn]]<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/590042998/Garn-endorsing-Jon-Huntsman-Jr.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922182716/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/590042998/Garn-endorsing-Jon-Huntsman-Jr.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=September 22, 2018 |title = Garn endorsing Jon Huntsman Jr| website=[[Deseret News]] |date = 2004-02-13}}</ref> and former U.S. President [[George H. W. Bush]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595070455/Bush-Sr-backs-Huntsman.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001058/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595070455/Bush-Sr-backs-Huntsman.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 4, 2016 | title=Bush Sr. Backs Huntsman| website=[[Deseret News]]| date=2004-06-15}}</ref> Polls showed he was the front-runner.


;Results
'''Results'''<br />
{{Election box begin no change
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Republican primary results<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=87523 |title = Our Campaigns - UT Governor - R Primary Race - Jun 22, 2004}}</ref>
| title = Republican primary results<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=87523 |title = Our Campaigns - UT Governor - R Primary Race - Jun 22, 2004}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Jon Huntsman Jr.
| candidate = [[Jon Huntsman Jr.]]
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 102,955
| votes = 102,955
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}}
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Nolan Karras
| candidate = [[Nolan Karras]]
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 52,048
| votes = 52,048
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===Campaign===
===Campaign===
Jon Huntsman Jr., a former advisor for U.S. Presidents [[Ronald Reagan]], [[George H. W. Bush]], and [[George W. Bush]] and son of industrialist [[Jon Huntsman, Sr.]]—the founder of [[Huntsman Chemical Corporation]]—filed papers to run for governor in September 2003.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/510053399/Huntsman-Jr-files-campaign-papers.html |title = Huntsman Jr. Files campaign papers|date = 2003-09-11}}</ref> [[Jason Chaffetz]] was his campaign manager. In April 2004, [[Utah County]] Commissioner [[Gary Herbert]] decided to drop out of the Republican nomination and become Huntsman's running mate.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595057688/Huntsman-Herbert-join-forces.html | title=Huntsman, Herbert join forces| date=2004-04-21}}</ref> Herbert helped Huntsman with the rural community.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SLTB&p_theme=sltb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10228A402028F592&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | work=Salt Lake Tribune, The | first=Dan | last=Harrie | date=April 21, 2004}}</ref> Huntsman campaigned on eliminating the sales tax on food<ref>{{cite news| url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SLTB&p_theme=sltb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=100CE4391151C891&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | work=Salt Lake Tribune, The | first=Dan | last=Harrie | date=January 27, 2004}}</ref> and on ethics reform. He proposed that lawmakers have to disclose all their gifts, they have to report monthly their campaign contributions, and they can't work as lobbyists immediately after leaving state government.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=DSNB&d_place=DSNB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10016370C29A30AE&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | date=January 14, 2004}}</ref> Huntsman opposed President Bush's [[No Child Left Behind Act]]. He said he would leave a label on the door of the governor's office "Economic Development Czar" if he's elected.
Jon Huntsman Jr., a former advisor for U.S. Presidents [[Ronald Reagan]], [[George H. W. Bush]], and [[George W. Bush]] and son of industrialist [[Jon Huntsman, Sr.]]—the founder of [[Huntsman Chemical Corporation]]—filed papers to run for governor in September 2003.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/510053399/Huntsman-Jr-files-campaign-papers.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321171326/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/510053399/Huntsman-Jr-files-campaign-papers.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 21, 2012 |title = Huntsman Jr. Files campaign papers| website=[[Deseret News]] |date = 2003-09-11}}</ref> [[Jason Chaffetz]] was his campaign manager. In April 2004, [[Utah County]] Commissioner [[Gary Herbert]] decided to drop out of the Republican nomination and become Huntsman's running mate.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595057688/Huntsman-Herbert-join-forces.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042834/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595057688/Huntsman-Herbert-join-forces.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 4, 2016 | title=Huntsman, Herbert join forces| website=[[Deseret News]]| date=2004-04-21}}</ref> Herbert helped Huntsman with the rural community.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SLTB&p_theme=sltb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10228A402028F592&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Herbert's rural ties bolster Huntsman ticket|last=Harrie|first=Dan|date=April 21, 2004|work=Salt Lake Tribune, The}}</ref> Huntsman campaigned on eliminating the sales tax on food<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SLTB&p_theme=sltb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=100CE4391151C891&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Huntsman would end sales tax on groceries|last=Harrie|first=Dan|date=January 27, 2004|work=Salt Lake Tribune, The}}</ref> and on ethics reform. He proposed that lawmakers have to disclose all their gifts, they have to report monthly their campaign contributions, and they can't work as lobbyists immediately after leaving state government.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=DSNB&d_place=DSNB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10016370C29A30AE&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=NewsBank|date=January 14, 2004}}</ref> Huntsman opposed President Bush's [[No Child Left Behind Act]]. He said he would leave a label on the door of the governor's office "Economic Development Czar" if he's elected.


U.S. Attorney, former [[Harvard University]] professor, and dean of the [[University of Utah Law School|University of Utah law school]] [[Scott Matheson, Jr.]] won the Democratic nomination unopposed. He is the son of former Utah Governor [[Scott M. Matheson (Utah governor)|Scott Matheson]] who was also the last Democrat to be elected governor of the [[Political party strength in Utah|red state of Utah]]. He made education the number one priority. He explained how better schools would attract new business. In one television ad, he called himself "Utah's Education Governor."<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595090716/Huntsman-and-Matheson-target-education.html |title = Huntsman and Matheson target education|date = 2004-09-12}}</ref> He criticized Huntsman for supporting school choice reform.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595099466/Rhetoric-growing-sharper-in-gubernatorial-campaign.html |title = Rhetoric growing sharper in gubernatorial campaign|date = 2004-10-20}}</ref>
U.S. Attorney, former [[Harvard University]] professor, and dean of the [[University of Utah Law School|University of Utah law school]] [[Scott Matheson, Jr.]] won the Democratic nomination unopposed. He is the son of former Utah Governor [[Scott M. Matheson (Utah governor)|Scott Matheson]] who was also the last Democrat to be elected governor of the [[Political party strength in Utah|red state of Utah]]. He made education the number one priority. He explained how better schools would attract new business. In one television ad, he called himself "Utah's Education Governor."<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595090716/Huntsman-and-Matheson-target-education.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042846/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595090716/Huntsman-and-Matheson-target-education.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 4, 2016 |title = Huntsman and Matheson target education| website=[[Deseret News]] |date = 2004-09-12}}</ref> He criticized Huntsman for supporting school choice reform.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595099466/Rhetoric-growing-sharper-in-gubernatorial-campaign.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064455/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595099466/Rhetoric-growing-sharper-in-gubernatorial-campaign.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 4, 2016 |title = Rhetoric growing sharper in gubernatorial campaign| website=[[Deseret News]] |date = 2004-10-20}}</ref>

=== Predictions ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Source
! Ranking
! As of
|-
| align=left | [[Sabato's Crystal Ball]]<ref>{{cite web | title=The Final Predictions | url=https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/ljs2004110101/ | website=Sabato's Crystal Ball | access-date=May 2, 2021}}</ref>
| {{USRaceRating|Lean|R}}
| November 1, 2004
|}


===Polling===
===Polling===
In a March [[Deseret Morning News]]/[[KSL-TV]] poll, Matheson was leading all the Republicans running for the nomination except for Huntsman and Walker.<ref name="desert_news" /> An early September Jones poll showed Huntsman leading 49%-39%.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595090764/Mathesons-on-the-march.html | title=Mathesons on the march| date=2004-09-12}}</ref> An October 6 [[Salt Lake Tribune]] poll showed Huntsman leading 49%-33%.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SLTB&p_theme=sltb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=1059AC9CBA082E83&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | work=Salt Lake Tribune, The | first=Dan | last=Harrie | date=October 6, 2004}}</ref> An October 7 Deseret Morning News/KSL-TV poll showed Huntsman only leading 49%-40%.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595096372/Matheson-inches-closer.html | title=Matheson inches closer| date=2004-10-07}}</ref> An October 29 Salt Lake Tribune poll showed Huntsman leading 50%-36%.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SLTB&p_theme=sltb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=1061EE7A90E8A5D9&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM | work=Salt Lake Tribune, The | first=Dan | last=Harrie | date=October 29, 2004}}</ref>
In a March [[Deseret Morning News]]/[[KSL-TV]] poll, Matheson was leading all the Republicans running for the nomination except for Huntsman and Walker.<ref name="desert_news" /> An early September Jones poll showed Huntsman leading 49%-39%.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595090764/Mathesons-on-the-march.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303223951/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595090764/Mathesons-on-the-march.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 3, 2016 | title=Mathesons on the march| website=[[Deseret News]]| date=2004-09-12}}</ref> An October 6 [[Salt Lake Tribune]] poll showed Huntsman leading 49%-33%.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SLTB&p_theme=sltb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=1059AC9CBA082E83&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Huntsman has a double-digit lead in new poll|last=Harrie|first=Dan|date=October 6, 2004|work=Salt Lake Tribune, The}}</ref> An October 7 Deseret Morning News/KSL-TV poll showed Huntsman only leading 49%-40%.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595096372/Matheson-inches-closer.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030603/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595096372/Matheson-inches-closer.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 4, 2016 | title=Matheson inches closer| website=[[Deseret News]]| date=2004-10-07}}</ref> An October 29 Salt Lake Tribune poll showed Huntsman leading 50%-36%.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SLTB&p_theme=sltb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=1061EE7A90E8A5D9&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Matheson needs a big finish|last=Harrie|first=Dan|date=October 29, 2004|work=Salt Lake Tribune, The}}</ref>


===Fundraising===
===Fundraising===
Huntsman raised a little over $3.5 million. Nearly $950,000 of the money raised was from his own personal loans and from family donations. He also raised 100,000 from the [[Republican Governors Association]]. Matheson raised almost $2.0 million. About one-fourth of Matheson's funds came from political committees, including $325,000 from the [[Democratic Governors Association]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595101078/Matheson-mild-attack-ad-criticized.html | title=Matheson 'mild attack ad' criticized| date=2004-10-27}}</ref>
Huntsman raised a little over $3.5 million. Nearly $950,000 of the money raised was from his own personal loans and from family donations. He also raised 100,000 from the [[Republican Governors Association]]. Matheson raised almost $2.0 million. About one-fourth of Matheson's funds came from political committees, including $325,000 from the [[Democratic Governors Association]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595101078/Matheson-mild-attack-ad-criticized.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043923/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/595101078/Matheson-mild-attack-ad-criticized.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 4, 2016 | title=Matheson 'mild attack ad' criticized| website=[[Deseret News]]| date=2004-10-27}}</ref>


===Results===
===Results===
{{Election box begin | title=2004 Utah gubernatorial election<ref>{{cite web|url=http://elections.utah.gov/2004_canvass_governor.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=May 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612003634/http://elections.utah.gov/2004_canvass_governor.pdf |archivedate=June 12, 2008 }}</ref>}}
{{Election box begin | title=2004 Utah gubernatorial election<ref>{{cite web|url=http://elections.utah.gov/2004_canvass_governor.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=May 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612003634/http://elections.utah.gov/2004_canvass_governor.pdf |archive-date=June 12, 2008 }}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
|party = Utah Republican Party
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = [[Jon Huntsman, Jr.]]
|candidate = [[Jon Huntsman Jr.]]
|votes = 531,190
|votes = 531,190
|percentage = 57.74%
|percentage = 57.74%
Line 185: Line 199:
{{Election box candidate with party link|
{{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = [[Scott Matheson, Jr.]]
|candidate = [[Scott Matheson Jr.]]
|votes = 380,359
|votes = 380,359
|percentage = 41.35%
|percentage = 41.35%
Line 220: Line 234:
}}
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box end}}

====Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican====
* [[San Juan County, Utah|San Juan]] (largest municipality: [[Blanding, Utah|Blanding]])


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 13:51, 7 December 2024

For related races, see 2004 United States gubernatorial elections.

2004 Utah gubernatorial election
← 2000 November 2, 2004 2008 →
 
Nominee Jon Huntsman Jr. Scott Matheson Jr.
Party Republican Democratic
Running mate Gary Herbert Karen Hale
Popular vote 531,190 380,359
Percentage 57.74% 41.35%
County results
Huntsman:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Matheson:      50–60%      60–70%
Governor before election

Olene Walker
Republican

Elected Governor

Jon Huntsman, Jr.
Republican

Elections in Utah
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The 2004 Utah gubernatorial election took place on November 2, 2004. The incumbent governor was Republican Olene S. Walker, who had become governor following Mike Leavitt's resignation to join the George W. Bush administration. However, Walker placed fourth in the Republican primary, far behind Jon Huntsman Jr. Huntsman won the nomination and went on to win the general election, carrying 25 of the 29 counties and winning 57.7% of the overall vote. This was the last time that a Democratic nominee for any statewide office has received forty percent or more of the popular vote, and the most recent election in which a Democratic nominee carried more than three counties in the state.

Background

[edit]

In March 2003, Huntsman resigned his post in the Bush administration. In mid-August, three term incumbent Governor Mike Leavitt, whom Huntsman strongly supported, decided not to run for re-election to a fourth term, in order to become the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under the Bush administration.[1][2][3] Shortly thereafter, Huntsman filed papers to run for Governor of Utah.[4] In November 2003, Lieutenant Governor Olene S. Walker became the Utah's first female governor as Leavitt was confirmed to become EPA Administrator.[5]

Democratic nomination

[edit]

Scott Matheson, Jr. entered the race on March 27, 2004.[6] He won the May Democratic nomination unopposed.[7]

Republican primary

[edit]

Convention

[edit]

Candidates

Results, first round

Republican Convention results[8]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jon Huntsman Jr. 959 27.98
Republican Nolan Karras 607 17.71
Republican Fred Lampropoulos 584 17.04
Republican Olene Walker (incumbent) 495 14.44
Republican Marty Stephens 380 11.09
Republican James Hansen 278 8.11
Republican Parley Hellewell 121 3.53
Republican Gary Benson 4 0.12

Results, final round, instant-runoff

Republican Convention Results: Candidates Reduced to Two with Instant Runoff[9][10]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jon Huntsman Jr. 1,707 51.28
Republican Nolan Karras 1,622 48.72

Primary

[edit]

Candidates

Campaign
Huntsman gained the endorsements from U.S. Senator Jake Garn[11] and former U.S. President George H. W. Bush.[12] Polls showed he was the front-runner.

Results

Republican primary results[13]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jon Huntsman Jr. 102,955 66.4
Republican Nolan Karras 52,048 33.6
Total votes 155,003 100

General election

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]

Campaign

[edit]

Jon Huntsman Jr., a former advisor for U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush and son of industrialist Jon Huntsman, Sr.—the founder of Huntsman Chemical Corporation—filed papers to run for governor in September 2003.[14] Jason Chaffetz was his campaign manager. In April 2004, Utah County Commissioner Gary Herbert decided to drop out of the Republican nomination and become Huntsman's running mate.[15] Herbert helped Huntsman with the rural community.[16] Huntsman campaigned on eliminating the sales tax on food[17] and on ethics reform. He proposed that lawmakers have to disclose all their gifts, they have to report monthly their campaign contributions, and they can't work as lobbyists immediately after leaving state government.[18] Huntsman opposed President Bush's No Child Left Behind Act. He said he would leave a label on the door of the governor's office "Economic Development Czar" if he's elected.

U.S. Attorney, former Harvard University professor, and dean of the University of Utah law school Scott Matheson, Jr. won the Democratic nomination unopposed. He is the son of former Utah Governor Scott Matheson who was also the last Democrat to be elected governor of the red state of Utah. He made education the number one priority. He explained how better schools would attract new business. In one television ad, he called himself "Utah's Education Governor."[19] He criticized Huntsman for supporting school choice reform.[20]

Predictions

[edit]
Source Ranking As of
Sabato's Crystal Ball[21] Lean R November 1, 2004

Polling

[edit]

In a March Deseret Morning News/KSL-TV poll, Matheson was leading all the Republicans running for the nomination except for Huntsman and Walker.[6] An early September Jones poll showed Huntsman leading 49%-39%.[22] An October 6 Salt Lake Tribune poll showed Huntsman leading 49%-33%.[23] An October 7 Deseret Morning News/KSL-TV poll showed Huntsman only leading 49%-40%.[24] An October 29 Salt Lake Tribune poll showed Huntsman leading 50%-36%.[25]

Fundraising

[edit]

Huntsman raised a little over $3.5 million. Nearly $950,000 of the money raised was from his own personal loans and from family donations. He also raised 100,000 from the Republican Governors Association. Matheson raised almost $2.0 million. About one-fourth of Matheson's funds came from political committees, including $325,000 from the Democratic Governors Association.[26]

Results

[edit]
2004 Utah gubernatorial election[27]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Jon Huntsman Jr. 531,190 57.74% +1.97%
Democratic Scott Matheson Jr. 380,359 41.35% −0.92%
Personal Choice Ken Larsen 8,399 0.91%
Write-ins 12 0.00%
Majority 150,831 16.40% +2.89%
Turnout 919,960
Republican hold Swing

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Swisher, Larry. "Bush picks Utah governor for EPA".
  2. ^ Harrie, Dan (August 18, 2003). "Leavitt's move is a gamble". Salt Lake Tribune, The.
  3. ^ "NewsLibrary". March 30, 2003.
  4. ^ "Huntsman Jr. files campaign papers". Deseret News. September 11, 2003. Archived from the original on March 21, 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2011.
  5. ^ "Walker sworn in as Utah's first female governor". Deseret News. November 5, 2003. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  6. ^ a b "Scott Matheson enters race for governor". Deseret News. March 28, 2004. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013.
  7. ^ "No Demo runoffs; protest targets Rep. Matheson". Deseret News. May 9, 2004. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  8. ^ "Our Campaigns - UT Governor - R Convention Race - May 08, 2004".
  9. ^ "GOP selects Huntsman, Karras". Deseret News. May 9, 2004. Archived from the original on June 25, 2011.
  10. ^ "May 8, 2004 Utah GOP convention Gubernatorial, US Congressional, and National Committeeman/Comitteewoman race results".
  11. ^ "Garn endorsing Jon Huntsman Jr". Deseret News. February 13, 2004. Archived from the original on September 22, 2018.
  12. ^ "Bush Sr. Backs Huntsman". Deseret News. June 15, 2004. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  13. ^ "Our Campaigns - UT Governor - R Primary Race - Jun 22, 2004".
  14. ^ "Huntsman Jr. Files campaign papers". Deseret News. September 11, 2003. Archived from the original on March 21, 2012.
  15. ^ "Huntsman, Herbert join forces". Deseret News. April 21, 2004. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  16. ^ Harrie, Dan (April 21, 2004). "Herbert's rural ties bolster Huntsman ticket". Salt Lake Tribune, The.
  17. ^ Harrie, Dan (January 27, 2004). "Huntsman would end sales tax on groceries". Salt Lake Tribune, The.
  18. ^ "NewsBank". January 14, 2004.
  19. ^ "Huntsman and Matheson target education". Deseret News. September 12, 2004. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  20. ^ "Rhetoric growing sharper in gubernatorial campaign". Deseret News. October 20, 2004. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  21. ^ "The Final Predictions". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  22. ^ "Mathesons on the march". Deseret News. September 12, 2004. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016.
  23. ^ Harrie, Dan (October 6, 2004). "Huntsman has a double-digit lead in new poll". Salt Lake Tribune, The.
  24. ^ "Matheson inches closer". Deseret News. October 7, 2004. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  25. ^ Harrie, Dan (October 29, 2004). "Matheson needs a big finish". Salt Lake Tribune, The.
  26. ^ "Matheson 'mild attack ad' criticized". Deseret News. October 27, 2004. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  27. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on June 12, 2008. Retrieved May 1, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

See also

[edit]

Election Results – Utah Lieutenant Governor's Office

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