United States gubernatorial elections, 1981

The gubernatorial elections in the United States in 1981 were held on November 3, 1981. Was elected to the states of New Jersey and Virginia. In both cases, the Office of the Governor due to the respective period of office was vacant.

In this case, the successor to the Democrats Brendan Byrne was wanted in New Jersey, who could not run again after two four-year terms of office. For the Republican Party met again to Thomas Kean, who had lost to Byrne in 1977. He won this time with 49.5 percent of the vote to Democrat James Florio, which reached 49.4 percent. Of the eleven remaining candidates of smaller parties, none achieved a share of more than 0.2 percent. A given the scarce output of Florio requested recount of the votes did not change the result to Kean's favor; rather, the Republicans even came to around 500 more votes than before. Florio should be 1990 Kean's successor.

In Virginia, Republican John N. Dalton could not compete again after four years in office. His party put Marshall Coleman, the Attorney General of the State, as candidates on. This lost with a share of 46.4 percent, however, quite clear to Democrat Chuck Robb, the previous Vice- Governor, who came up with a share of 53.6 percent. Thus, since 1970 the Democratic Party presented for the first time the Governor of Virginia.