The 1982 Iowa gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 1982. The long time incumbent Republican Robert Ray chose not to seek re-election. Republican Lt. Governor Terry Branstad defeated Democratic nominee Roxanne Conlin with 52.81% of the vote.
Primary elections
Primary elections were held on June 8, 1982.
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Roxanne Conlin, former United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa
- Jerome D. Fitzgerald, former State Representative and nominee for Governor in 1978
- Edward Campbell, former state Democratic Party chairman
Republican primary
Candidates
- Terry Branstad, incumbent Lieutenant Governor
General election
Candidates
Major party candidates
- Terry Branstad, Republican
- Roxanne Conlin, Democratic
Other candidates
- Marcia Farrington, Libertarian
- Jim Bittner, Socialist