1994 New York gubernatorial election

Gubernatorial elections in New York January 2025 September 2023 1994 New York gubernatorial election New York Flag of New York (1909–2020).svg presidential no 1990 New York gubernatorial election 1990 1998 New York gubernatorial election 1998 November 8, 1994 File:George Pataki 2004 (cropped) (cropped).jpg 150x150px George Pataki Republican Party (United States) font-weight:normal;text-align:left; Parties Conservative Tax Cut Now Betsy McCaughey 2,538,702 48.79% File:Mario Cuomo 1993.jpg Mario Cuomo Democratic Party (United States) Liberal Party of New York Stan Lundine 2,364,904 45.45% 1994 New York gubernatorial election results map by county.svg 300px County results Pataki: #ffb2b2 40–50% #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #d72f30 70–80%Cuomo: #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90% Governor Mario Cuomo Democratic Party (United States) George Pataki Republican Party (United States) The 1994 New York gubernatorial election was an election for the state governorship held on November 8, 1994. Incumbent Democratic governor Mario Cuomo ran for a fourth term, but was defeated by Republican George Pataki in an upset victory. Pataki had previously been described by the New York Daily News as "a little-known Republican state senator."New York Daily News https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/mario-cuomo-new-york-governor-dead-82-article-1.2063258 Mario Cuomo, former New York governor, dead at 82 Kenneth Lovett Larry McShane January 5, 2015 The conservative New York Post attributed the result to how voters "had grown tired of the 12-year incumbent Cuomo and his liberalism."The New York Post https://nypost.com/2015/01/01/former-new-york-governor-mario-cuomo-dead-at-82 Former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo dead at 82 Carl Campanile Larry Celona Leonard Greene January 1, 2015 Pataki's victory was one of the most notable of the 1994 "Republican Revolution" midterm elections, which also ousted governors in Alabama, New Mexico, and Texas. This is the last time a governor of New York lost re-election. This would be the last gubernatorial race until 2022 that was decided by a single-digit margin. This is the only election (primary or general) where a member of the Cuomo family lost Staten Island. Democratic primary Candidates Mario Cuomo, incumbent governor Lenora Fulani, activist and perennial candidateThe New York Daily News https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/masters-deception-article-1.1216664 Revealed: How cult-like band exploits voter deception to wield political power in N.Y.C. December 10, 2012 Withdrew Roy Innis, national chair of the Congress of Racial Equality and 1993 candidate for New York City mayor Campaign Cuomo faced two primary challengers: Lenora Fulani, a perennial New Alliance Party candidate, and Roy Innis, national chair of the Congress of Racial Equality and a failed challenger to New York City mayor David Dinkins in the 1993 election. Innis ultimately failed to submit petition signatures.The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/15/nyregion/moynihan-won-t-fight-the-petitions-of-sharpton.html Moynihan Won't Fight The Petitions Of Sharpton July 15, 1994https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/11/nyregion/tilting-at-the-same-windmill-but-on-a-faster-steed.html Tilting at the Same Windmill, but on a Faster Steed 11 September 1994 The New York Times Fulani's bid was generally considered a Quixotic, losing effort. Cuomo refused to debate her, and Fulani made it plain that she sought to draw African Americans away from the Democratic Party. Adam Clayton Powell IV was the only elected official to endorse her candidacy, and Fulani was also far outstripped in fundraising. Results On September 13, 1994, Cuomo handily defeated Fulani.https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/14/nyregion/the-1994-campaign-the-overview-pataki-easily-wins-the-right-to-oppose-cuomo.html Pataki Easily Wins the Right to Oppose Cuomo 14 September 1994 The New York Timesthumb|300px|Results by county #678cd7 Cuomo #8da9e2 50–60% #678cd7 60–70% #4170cd 70–80% #3358a2 80–90%|center 1994 Democratic gubernatorial primaryOctober 2026 Mario Cuomo (incumbent) Democratic Party (United States) 548,762 79.45 Lenora Fulani Democratic Party (United States) 141,918 20.55 690,680 100.00 Republican primary Candidates Evan G. Galbraith, former U.S. ambassador to France Herbert London, founder of the Gallatin Divison of New York University and 1990 Conservative Party nominee for governor (also running as Conservative) George Pataki, state senator from Peekskill (also running as Conservative) Richard M. Rosenbaum, former chair of the New York Republican State Committeehttps://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/23/nyregion/gop-leader-will-run-for-governor-as-moderate.html G.O.P. Leader Will Run For Governor as 'Moderate' 23 March 1994 The New York Times (also running as Independence Party candidate) Withdrew Bill Green, former U.S. representative (endorsed Rosenbaum)https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/19/nyregion/ex-rep-green-announces-for-governor.html Ex-Rep. Green Announces for Governor 19 March 1994 The New York Times Declined J. Patrick Barrett, businessman and former chair of the New York Republican State CommitteeSack Kevin https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/21/nyregion/gop-race-for-governor-is-narrowed.html G.O.P. Race For Governor Is Narrowed New York The New York Times 1994-05-21 2016-08-08 Al D'Amato, U.S. senator since 1981https://www.nytimes.com/1993/10/20/us/d-amato-skips-a-race.html D'Amato Skips a Race 20 October 1993 The New York Times Initially, U.S. senator Al D'Amato was expected to run as the Republican and Conservative nominee. He began to publicly criticize Cuomo in September 1993 when he claimed that New York had become "the taxasaurus and spendasaurus capital of the nation" during Cuomo's tenure.https://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/28/nyregion/d-amato-raising-funds-assails-cuomo-s-record-as-governor.html D'Amato, Raising Funds, Assails Cuomo's Record as Governor 28 September 1993 The New York Times However, D'Amato decided not to run within the month, predicting (accurately) that his party could take control of the Senate in the 1994 elections, which would elevate him to chairman of the Senate Banking Committee. Lewis Lehrman, the 1982 gubernatorial nominee who narrowly lost to Cuomo, also publicly flirted with a run, but ultimately didn't mount a candidacy.Staff LEHRMAN WEIGHS MAKING ANOTHER RUN FOR GOVERNOR https://buffalonews.com/news/lehrman-weighs-making-another-run-for-governor/article_3073b9a1-8270-5373-97ba-2d01ae2f5eb3.html 2021-10-11 The Buffalo News 29 July 1991 en After considering other potential candidates, D'Amato and Republican chairman William Powers endorsed state senator George Pataki, a candidate who had potential to win support from the party's moderate and conservative factions.https://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/10/nyregion/peekskill-legislator-to-seek-governor-nomination.html Peekskill Legislator to Seek Governor Nomination 10 November 1993 The New York Times Herbert London, who had run against the Republicans as the Conservative nominee in the prior election, declared his candidacy on October 5, 1993. He ran on a platform of tax cuts, reductions to state Medicaid and welfare payments, and social conservatism, criticizing both Cuomo and D'Amato. However, London's social conservatism and poor fundraising caused many party leaders to believe that he had no chance of defeating Cuomo.https://www.nytimes.com/1993/10/05/nyregion/conservative-is-joining-gop-race-for-governor.html Conservative Is Joining G.O.P. Race for Governor 5 October 1993 The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/31/nyregion/candidate-seeks-new-armor-for-crusade-against-cuomo.html Candidate Seeks New Armor For Crusade Against Cuomo 31 January 1994 The New York Times On January 4, 1994, Manhattan businessman and former ambassador Evan Galbraith launched an exploratory bid. Galbraith had also previously been a candidate for governor in 1990, but a court had declared him eligible due to residency issues.https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/05/nyregion/new-gubernatorial-entry-gets-financial-backing.html New Gubernatorial Entry Gets Financial Backing 5 January 1994 The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/29/nyregion/galbraith-a-former-envoy-enters-the-gubernatorial-race.html Galbraith, a Former Envoy, Enters the Gubernatorial Race 29 April 1994 The New York Times The field was rounded out in March 1994, when Pataki entered the race officially with support from D'Amato and Powers. He was quickly followed by former U.S. representative Bill Green, who positioned himself as a moderate alternative to Pataki and London, and former party chair Richard Rosenbaum, who ran on a liberal Rockefeller Republican platform, calling for Medicaid financing of abortion and tighter restrictions on firearms. Former party chairman J. Patrick Barrett, a businessman from Syracuse, who was expected to join the race, declined on May 20 when he came to the conclusion that he could not obtain the necessary support at the state convention. Campaign Preconvention campaign Pataki was opposed by Senate majority leader Ralph Marino over Pataki's association with the influential conservative, anti-tax advocacy group Change New York, which had worked to prevent Marino's reelection. Organizations on both sides of the abortion debate also criticized Pataki's moderate approach to the issue.https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/15/nyregion/state-senator-pataki-formally-declares-challenge-to-cuomo.html State Senator Pataki Formally Declares Challenge to Cuomo 15 March 1994 The New York Times Galbraith formally declared his candidacy on April 29; by this time, however, most conservatives had coalesced around either London or Pataki. Galbraith received endorsements from several notable figures including Henry Kissinger and William F. Buckley Jr. Galbraith supporters argued that he held similar positions to London but appealed to a larger base of voters. Among the liberals, Richard Rosenbaum amassed a large campaign war chest of about $1.2 million. He decided against trying to secure an automatic ballot spot through the convention process because he did not believe he could attain the required 25 percent of the delegate vote. Instead, Rosenbaum opted to petition his way onto the ballot.https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/23/nyregion/gop-leader-will-run-for-governor-as-moderate.html G.O.P. Leader Will Run For Governor as 'Moderate' 23 March 1994 The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/26/nyregion/republicans-and-conservatives-solidify-efforts-against-cuomo.html Republicans and Conservatives Solidify Efforts Against Cuomo 26 May 1994 The New York TimesSack Kevin https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/20/nyregion/political-notes-seeking-a-nomination-without-a-party-s-help.html POLITICAL NOTES - Seeking a Nomination Without a Party's Help New York The New York Times 1994-03-20 2016-08-08 Bill Green did enter the convention process, claiming to be conservative on fiscal issues and "sensibly compassionate" on social issues. His bid was badly damaged when Conservative Party chair Michael Long indicated that Conservatives were unlikely to support him if nominated, implicitly threatening a repeat of the 1990 election, in which the Conservatives had split the vote against Cuomo and nearly surpassed Republicans as the state's second party.https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/19/nyregion/ex-rep-green-announces-for-governor.html Ex-Rep. Green Announces for Governor 19 March 1994 The New York Times Convention results At the Republican convention, Pataki won the overwhelming support of the delegates present. Herbert London, the runner-up, fell short of the 25% showing that he needed to obtain a place on the party's primary ballot.https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/24/nyregion/gop-backs-a-legislator-to-oppose-cuomo.html G.O.P. Backs a Legislator to Oppose Cuomo 24 May 1994 The New York Times 1994 Republican state convention ballot George Pataki Republican Party (United States) - 72.40 Herbert London Republican Party (United States) 22.10 Evan Galbraith Republican Party (United States) 2.80 Bill Green Republican Party (United States) 2.60 Scattering Republican Party (United States) 0.10 100.00 Primary campaign After losing the convention and failing to qualify for the ballot, London, Galbraith and Green each initially sought to petition their way onto the September 13 primary ballot, but efforts were made to dissuade them from doing so. London was nominated for the position of state comptroller, consolidating his support behind Pataki.https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/26/nyregion/republicans-and-conservatives-solidify-efforts-against-cuomo.html Republicans and Conservatives Solidify Efforts Against Cuomo 26 May 1994 The New York Times On May 31, Green withdrew from the race and endorsed Rosenbaum.https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/01/nyregion/green-dropping-out-of-governor-race-backing-rosenbaum.html Green Dropping Out Of Governor Race; Backing Rosenbaum 1 June 1994 Associated Press The New York Times Results Pataki defeated Rosenbaum in the Republican primary easily. Although he had been nominated by the Independence Party of New York, Rosenbaum withdrew his candidacy and endorsed Pataki the next day. 1994 Republican gubernatorial primaryOctober 2026 George Pataki Republican Party (United States) 273,620 75.60 Richard M. Rosenbaum Republican Party (United States) 88,302 24.40 361,922 100.00 Conservative primary Candidates George Pataki, state senator from Peekskill (also running as Republican) Robert G. Relph Sr. Withdrew Herbert London (also running as Republican; withdrew following defeat at Republican convention) Results 1994 Conservative gubernatorial primaryOctober 2026 George Pataki Conservative Party of New York State 17,649 78.40 Robert G. Relph Sr. Conservative Party of New York State Conservative 4,862 21.60 22,511 100.00 Independence nomination Candidates Richard M. Rosenbaum, former chair of the New York Republican State Committee (also running as Republican)https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/15/nyregion/1994-campaign-governor-s-race-swiping-cuomo-pataki-gives-plan-governing.html SWIPING AT CUOMO, PATAKI GIVES OUT PLAN ON GOVERNING 15 September 1994 The New York Times Aftermath After Rosenbaum withdrew as the nominee, businessman Tom Golisano was nominated and added to the general election ballot on September 28.https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/29/nyregion/campaign-trail-cuomo-the-ballplayer-helps-cuomo-the-candidate.html Campaign Trail; Cuomo the Ballplayer Helps Cuomo the Candidate 29 September 1994 The New York Times Libertarian nomination Candidates Joseph Brennan Dottie Lou Brokaw, nominee for lieutenant governor in 1990 James Ostrowski, Buffalo attorneySack Kevin 1994-04-24 With Eyes Open Wide, Libertarians Choose Stern https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/24/nyregion/with-eyes-open-wide-libertarians-choose-stern.html 2026-10-01 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Norma Segal Howard Stern, radio shock jock and host of The Howard Stern Show Campaign New York City radio personality Howard Stern announced his candidacy for governor on his nationally syndicated radio show on March 22, 1994. Stern ran on a platform of reinstating capital punishment, letting road crews work only at night, staggering highway tolls to prevent traffic jams, and resigning from office as soon as these goals were accomplished.https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/03/us/gov-howard-stern-some-fail-to-see-humor.html Gov. Howard Stern? Some Fail to See Humor 3 April 1994 The New York Times Results Stern won the party's nomination by a two-thirds majority on the first ballot at their state convention on April 23, 1994. 1994 Libertarian state convention ballotOctober 2026 Howard Stern Libertarian Party (United States) 287 75.33 James Ostrowski Libertarian Party (United States) 34 8.92 Norma Segal Libertarian Party (United States) 24 6.30 Dottie Lou Brokaw Libertarian Party (United States) 22 5.77 Joseph Brennan Libertarian Party (United States) 10 2.63 Scattering Independent (politics) 4 1.05 381 100.00 Aftermath Stern refused to file the financial disclosures required by law of any party seeking to hold public office. He filed suit against the state of New York, arguing that the applicable law violated his right to privacy and freedom of association. When the court denied his petition for an injunction, Stern called a press conference on August 4, 1994, and withdrew from the race.https://www.nytimes.com/1994/08/05/nyregion/for-stern-it-s-balk-radio-he-ends-bid-for-governor.html For Stern, It's Balk Radio: He Ends Bid for Governor 5 August 1994 The New York Times He was replaced by activist Robert L. Schulz.August 2019 General election Candidates Mario Cuomo, incumbent governor since 1983 (Democratic, Liberal) Running mate: Stan Lundine, incumbnet lieutenant governor since 1987 Tom Golisano, CEO and founder of Paychex (Independence) Lawrence Lane (Socialist Workers) George Pataki, state senator from Peekskill (Republican, Conservative, Tax Cut Now) Running mate: Betsy McCaughey, Manhattan Institute editorialist and leading critic of the Clinton health care plan Robert L. Schulz, Queensbury political activist and tax protester (Libertarian) Running mate: Stan Dworkin, former Rockland County legislator Robert T. Walsh (Right to Life) Withdrew Richard M. Rosenbaum, former chair of the New York Republican State Committee (Independence) (withdrew September 14; endorsed Pataki) Howard Stern, radio shock jock and host of The Howard Stern Show (Libertarian) (withdrew August 4) Campaign Though early in the campaign, Cuomo led by as much as ten points, Pataki was eventually able to tie him due to his difficulty in defending his record. Pataki pledged to cut income taxes by 25 percent which appealed to voters in an economic downturn.August 2019 One key issue in the election was capital punishment. Cuomo was a staunch opponent, while Pataki supported it, and opinion polling showed that most New Yorkers agreed due to high crime rates over the prior two decades. Republican ads highlighted the case of Arthur Shawcross, a serial killer convicted of manslaughter who was paroled by New York in 1987 and committed additional murders while on release. This revelation caused a significant loss of support for Cuomo.August 2019 Polling Source Date GeorgePataki (R) MarioCuomo (D) TomGolisano (IF) Buffalo News November 6, 1994 38%42% 5% Marist Institute November 3, 1994 40%43% 7% New York Daily News November 3, 1994 36%50% 7% New York Post/FOX-TV November 2, 1994 32%46% - Quinnipiac Collegehttps://www.orlandosentinel.com/1994/11/02/new-poll-gives-cuomo-13-point-lead-in-new-york/ New Poll Gives Cuomo 13-point Lead In New York Orlando Sentinel November 2, 1994 November 1, 1994 31%44% 7% The New York Times October 31, 1994 34%44% - New York Daily News/WNBC October 30, 1994 42%43% - New York Post/FOX-TV October 30, 199440% 36% - The New York Times/WCBS-TV October 7, 199444% 41% - Quinnipiac College October 2, 1994 38%42% - Marist Institute October 2, 199444% 38% - WROC-TV/WIXT-TV September 16, 199441% 35% - New York Post/Buffalo News September 11, 199443% 41% - Results While the race was very close overall, Pataki won by running up huge margins outside of New York City. Cuomo won only one county outside of the city, Albany, while also losing Staten Island for the first time. New York Gubernatorial Election, 1994 Republican Party (United States) George Pataki 2,156,057 41.43% +20.08% Conservative Party of New York State New York George Pataki 328,605 6.31% -14.09% Freedom Party of New York (1994) George Pataki 54,040 1.04% N/A Total George Pataki 2,538,702 48.79% +27.44% Democratic Party (United States) Mario Cuomo 2,272,903 43.68% -7.74% Liberal Party of New York Mario Cuomo 92,001 1.77% +0.02% Total Mario Cuomo (incumbent) 2,364,904 45.45% −7.72% Independence Party of New York Tom Golisano 217,490 4.18% N/A New York State Right to Life Party Robert T. Walsh 67,750 1.30% −2.10% Libertarian Party (United States) Robert L. Schulz 9,506 0.18% −0.43% Socialist Workers Party (United States) Lawrence Lane 5,410 0.10% −0.21% 173,798 3.34% -28.49% 5,203,762 Republican Party (United States) Democratic Party (United States) thumb|1994 New York governor election results in NYC by State Assembly district|442x442px New York City results New York City subtotal Republican Party (United States) George Pataki 368,788 24.39% Conservative Party of New York State George Pataki 42,981 2.84% Freedom Party of New York (1994) George Pataki 11,238 0.74% Total George Pataki 423007 27.97% Democratic Party (United States) Mario Cuomo 1,007,747 66.63% Liberal Party of New York Mario Cuomo 52,316 3.46% Total Mario Cuomo (incumbent) 1060063 70.09% Independence Party of New York Tom Golisano 16,516 1.09% New York State Right to Life Party Robert T. Walsh 9,943 0.66% Libertarian Party (United States) Robert L. Schulz 1,018 0.07% Socialist Workers Party (United States) Lawrence Lane 1,806 0.12% 1,512,353 100% References 30em Gubernatorial New York 1994 Category:Mario Cuomo Category:November 1994 in the United States