Incumbent Republican Jodi Rell became governor when John G. Rowland resigned on corruption charges in 2004.

Rell had an approval rating of 70% as of October 19, 2006,[1] and polls showed her leading the Democratic nominee, New Haven mayor John DeStefano by a near 30-point margin.

DeStefano defeated Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy in the Connecticut Democratic gubernatorial primary on August 8.

The following are the results of the 2006 election:[21] Rell won every county and all but seven towns.

Rell won all 5 congressional districts, including 4 of which elected Democrats.