1990 Maryland gubernatorial election

The 1990 Maryland gubernatorial election was held on November 6, 1990. Incumbent Democrat William Donald Schaefer defeated Republican nominee William S. Shepard handily (59.76% to 40.23%).

1990 Maryland gubernatorial election

November 6, 1990
Turnout	54.85%
Nominee William Donald Schaefer William S. Shepard Party Democratic Republican Running mate Melvin Steinberg Lois Shepard Popular vote 664,015 446,980 Percentage 59.76% 40.23%
County results Schaefer:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Shepard:      50–60%      60–70%
Governor before election William Donald Schaefer Democratic Elected Governor William Donald Schaefer Democratic

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on September 11, 1990.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• William Donald Schaefer, incumbent Governor
• Frederick M. Grisser Jr., LaRouche Activist

Results

Democratic primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	William Donald Schaefer (incumbent)	358,534	78.05
	Democratic	Frederick M. Grisser Jr.	100,816	21.95
Total votes			459,350	100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

• William S. Shepard, diplomat
• Ross Zimmerman Pierpont, perennial candidate

Results

Republican primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	William S. Shepard	66,966	52.72
	Republican	Ross Zimmerman Pierpont	60,065	47.28
Total votes			127,031	100.00

General election

Candidates

• William Donald Schaefer, Democratic
• William S. Shepard, Republican

Results

1990 Maryland gubernatorial election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	William Donald Schaefer (incumbent)	664,015	59.76%	−22.61%
	Republican	William S. Shepard	446,980	40.23%	+22.60%
Majority			217,035
Turnout			1,111,088
	Democratic hold		Swing