The 1982 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1982. Michael Dukakis was elected to a second non-consecutive term. He beat Republican John W. Sears in the general election, after defeating incumbent Governor Edward J. King in the Democratic primary.
This election notably saw the Dukakis-Kerry ticket for governor and lieutenant governor, a gubernatorial ticket made up of the future 1988 and 2004 Democratic nominees for president of the United States, who both lost to Bush family members, George H. W. and George W., respectively. Republican candidate Andrew Card also went on to serve in key roles in both Bush administrations, as White House deputy chief of staff, transportation secretary, and White House chief of staff.
Democratic primary
Governor
Candidates
- Michael Dukakis, former governor
- Edward J. King, incumbent governor
- Thomas P. O'Neill III, incumbent lieutenant governor
Campaign
Former Governor Michael Dukakis challenged incumbent Governor Edward J. King in a rematch of the 1978 Democratic primary. This time, Dukakis was victorious, 53–47%.
Lt. Governor
Candidates
- John Kerry, veteran and anti-war activist
- Evelyn Murphy, chair of the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere and former state secretary of Economic Affairs
- Lou Nickinello, state representative from Natick
- Lois Pines, former state representative from Newton
- Samuel Rotondi, state senator from Winchester
Campaign
Incumbent Lt. Governor Thomas P. O'Neill III did not run for re-election. Former Navy lieutenant and anti-war activist John Kerry won a five-way contest for the Democratic nomination.
Republican primary
Governor
Candidates
- Andrew Card, state representative from Holbrook
- John Lakian, businessman
- John Winthrop Sears, former Suffolk County sheriff and Boston city councilman
Campaign
Lakian, a political newcomer, was the early favorite for the nomination after securing the Republican Party endorsement at the state convention. However, The Boston Globe published a damaging story questioning elements of Lakian's biography, claiming that he had made several exaggerations with respect to his record. After losing the primary, Lakian sued the paper.
Lt. Governor
Candidates
- Leon Lombardi, state representative from Easton
Results
Lombardi was unopposed for the Republican nomination.
General election
Results
Michael Dukakis won the election with 57.9% of the vote, winning every county in the state - 13 with a majority, and one (Barnstable) with a plurality.
Results by county
Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic
- Barnstable
- Berkshire
- Dukes
- Franklin
- Hampden
- Hampshire
- Nantucket