2012 Indiana gubernatorial election


The 2012 Indiana gubernatorial election took place on November 6, 2012. Incumbent governor Mitch Daniels was term-limited and unable to seek a third term. The Republican candidate, Congressman Mike Pence; the Democratic candidate, former Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives John R. Gregg; and the Libertarian candidate, youth mentor, small business owner and reality TV personality, Rupert Boneham, were all unopposed in their respective primaries or conventions and contested the general election. This is the first open Indiana gubernatorial election since 1996 and the first gubernatorial election since 1972 without the governor or LT. governor as a nominee.
Pence narrowly won the election, with it being the closest race for governor since 1960. Pence was later elected Vice President of the United States four years later as the running mate of Donald Trump.

Republican Party

Candidates

Democratic Party

Candidates

Libertarian Party

Candidates

Candidates

The organized three televised debates between Indiana Gubernatorial candidates Republican Mike Pence, Democrat John R. Gregg and Libertarian Rupert Boneham.
;Debate schedule
The first debate was held on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at the Zionsville Performing Arts Center in Zionsville, Indiana and was moderated by former Indianapolis Star editor Dennis Ryerson.
The second debate was held on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center in South Bend, Indiana and was
moderated by Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute president John Ketzenberger.
The third debate was held on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at the WFWA PBS 39 studio in Fort Wayne, Indiana and was moderated by DePauw University Executive Director of Media Relations Ken Owen.

Polling

Statewide results

When the polls closed, the election was very close, and continued to stay close throughout the night. Gregg performed well in Marion County and Lake County, which were Democratic strongholds. Pence performed well in the Indianapolis suburbs and the Fort Wayne area. At 12:34 am EST, the Associated Press called the race for Pence. At 1:06 am, Gregg called Pence to concede, realizing there weren't enough votes left to overtake him. Pence ultimately won the election.
Pence took office on January 13, 2013. This was one of Indiana's closest gubernatorial elections.