The 1994 Connecticut gubernatorial election took place on November 8, 1994, to elect the governor of Connecticut. Republican John G. Rowland won the open seat following the retirement of A Connecticut Party Governor Lowell Weicker. The election was a four-way race between A Connecticut Party Lieutenant Governor Eunice Groark, Republican U.S. Congressman John G. Rowland, Democratic state comptroller Bill Curry, and independent conservative talk show host Tom Scott. Rowland won the election with just 36% of the vote.
As a result of Public Act 93-342, which was passed by the General Assembly in 1993, the threshold of delegate support a candidate required at a nominating convention in order to force a primary was reduced from 20% to 15%, making this the first election held under these new laws.
Republican primary
Governor
Candidates
- John G. Rowland, former U.S. Representative for CT-05
- Pauline R. Kezer, Secretary of the State of Connecticut
Lieutenant governor
Candidates
- Jodi Rell, state Representative from the 107th district (Running mate of Rowland)
- Joseph J. Rucci Jr., New Canaan lawyer (Running mate of Kezer)
Democratic primary
Candidates
Nominee
- Bill Curry, State Comptroller
Eliminated in primary
- John B. Larson, President Pro Tempore of the State Senate from the 3rd district
Withdrew
- Joe Ganim, Mayor of Bridgeport
- Richard J. Balducci, State Senator from the 9th district and former Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives (1989–1993)
General election
Candidates
- Bill Curry (D), Connecticut State Comptroller
- Running mate: Joe Ganim, Mayor of Bridgeport
- John G. Rowland (R), former U.S. Representative for CT-05
- Running mate: Jodi Rell, Member of the Connecticut House of Representatives
- Eunice Groark (ACP), incumbent Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut
- Running mate: Audrey Rowe
- Tom Scott (I), radio talk show host, and realtor
- Running mate: Glen O'Keefe
Results
By county
Rowland won only three of eight counties despite his statewide victory. Curry won four counties, and Groark won one county, the last time a 3rd party candidacy for governor won a county in Connecticut.
By congressional district
Rowland won four of six congressional districts, including one that elected a Democrat.