2012 Washington gubernatorial election


The 2012 Washington gubernatorial election took place on November 6, 2012. Candidates in the election were chosen in an August 7, 2012 primary election, under the state's nonpartisan blanket primary system, which allows voters to vote for any candidate running in the race, regardless of party affiliation. The two candidates who received the most votes in the primary election qualified for the general election.
Incumbent Democratic Governor Christine Gregoire decided to retire rather than seek a third term. She endorsed fellow Democrat Jay Inslee, a U.S. Congressman, as her successor. On March 20, 2012, Inslee resigned from his U.S. House seat in order to focus on his gubernatorial campaign.
Inslee and Republican Rob McKenna, the Washington Attorney General, advanced to the general election. Inslee won the election, and McKenna conceded three days later.

Primary election

Democratic candidates

General election

Candidates

Polling


Hypothetical polling
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Results

The race was close throughout the night, with results too close to call after 60 percent of ballots were cast. Inslee was declared the winner early the next morning; McKenna conceded later in the evening.
Inslee won only eight of the state's 39 counties, relying on heavy votes from the Seattle metropolitan area pushing him to victory.
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