Howard Dean Democratic Jim Douglas Republican The 2002 Vermont gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2002.

Since no candidate received a majority in the popular vote, Douglas was elected by the Vermont General Assembly, as required by the state constitution.

Racine did well in populous Burlington and greater Chittenden County, but it was not enough to overcome Douglas's advantage.

Racine ran for governor again in 2010, but narrowly lost the Democratic Primary to Peter Shumlin.

Shumlin won the general election and chose Racine to be his Secretary of Human Services.