Jim Hodges Democratic Mark Sanford Republican The 2002 South Carolina gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 2002, to select the governor of the state of South Carolina.

Governor Jim Hodges faced no opposition from South Carolina Democrats and avoided a primary election.

The contest became a race between Lieutenant Governor Bob Peeler from the Upstate and Mark Sanford, a former representative of the 1st congressional district in the Lowcountry.

Sanford received the support of the candidates eliminated from the runoff election and easily defeated Peeler.

Turnout was higher than in the previous gubernatorial election because of the competitive nature of the race between the two parties.