The 2002 Wyoming gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002. Incumbent RepublicanGovernorJim Geringer was term-limited and unable to seek a third term in office, thereby creating an open seat. Former U.S. AttorneyDave Freudenthal and former Wyoming House Speaker Eli Bebout both emerged from competitive Democratic and Republican primaries, respectively, and faced off against each other in the general election. Despite Wyoming's strong inclination to elect Republicans, a contentious race ensued, with Freudenthal ultimately defeating Bebout by fewer than 4,000 votes.