Abercrombie’s Defeat Largest Primary Loss of Sitting Governor in US History

Old record was held by Texas Democrat Preston Smith, who lost renomination in 1972 by 35.2 points, receiving only 8.7 percent of the vote.

By /

Geoffrey Skelley, associate editor at Sabato’s Crystal Ball, has penned a post titled Abercrombie Makes History the Wrong Way.

Excerpt:

Given the reports coming out of the Aloha State in the lead up to the contest, Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s (D-HI) renomination loss this past Saturday may not have been that surprising.

But Abercrombie’s defeat at the hands of little-known state Sen. David Ige (D) was shocking in terms of the margin.

In fact, with 99% of precincts reporting (a couple precincts weren’t able to vote due to storms and will vote this Friday), Abercrombie’s defeat by 36.1 points is the largest primary loss by of any sitting governor in U.S. history. …

Sabato's Crystal Ball chart on Abercrombie loss

Notes: *Unelected incumbents seeking renomination; P – primary election result in which the incumbent failed to make a runoff election, R – runoff election result.

Sources: CQ Press Guide to U.S. Elections; election archives of Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio,Oklahoma, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

Keep us brave and independent

The stories that Civil Beat dares to write take time, resources and sometimes, a healthy dose of bravery. But weʻre not afraid because our responsibility is to bring issues to you.

Your support ensures that we can remain independent and uncover the stories that, as one reader recently said, “would remain hidden otherwise.” Because if we don’t do it, who will?

Give now

About the Author