The 1990 Illinois gubernatorial election was held on November 6, 1990. Incumbent Governor James R. Thompson chose to retire instead seeking reelection to a fifth term. Republican candidate Jim Edgar won his first of two terms in office, defeating Democrat Neil Hartigan by a narrow margin of about 80,000 votes.
The primaries and general elections coincided with those for federal elections (Senate and House), as well as those for other state offices. The election was part of the 1990 Illinois elections.
Turnout[]
For the primaries, turnout for the gubernatorial primaries was 26.11%, with 1,570,596 votes cast and turnout for the lieutenant gubernatorial primaries was 21.67% with 1,303,250 votes cast.[1] For the general election, turnout was 54.00%, with 3,257,410 votes cast.[2]
Democratic primary[]
Illinois Attorney GeneralNeil Hartigan won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, running unopposed.