1996 Washington gubernatorial election

The 1996 Washington gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1996. Though eligible for a second term, incumbent governor Mike Lowry chose not to run for reelection due to allegations of sexual harassment. This gubernatorial race was especially significant in that it resulted in the first Asian American governor in the mainland United States (after George Ariyoshi of island state Hawaii), Democrat Gary Locke. Former U.S. Representative Jay Inslee would be elected in the gubernatorial election in 2012.

Democratic

 * Gary Locke, King County Executive and former state representative
 * Norm Rice, current Mayor of Seattle
 * Jay Inslee, former U.S. Representative from the 4th district

Republican

 * Ellen Craswell, president pro tempore of the Washington Senate
 * Dale Foreman, majority leader of the Washington House of Representatives
 * Norm Maleng, King County Prosecuting Attorney
 * Pam Roach, state senator

Candidates

 * Gary Locke (D), King County Executive and former state representative
 * Ellen Craswell (R), president pro tempore of the Washington Senate

Debates

 * Complete video of debate, September 26, 1996 - C-SPAN
 * Complete video of debate, October 9, 1996 - C-SPAN