1998Final results
1998 election for New York Governor
Governor · New York
George Pataki (R) won with 54.3% of the vote, defeating Peter Vallone Sr. (D) by 21.2 points.
George PatakiRepublican · winner
54.3%2,571,991
Peter Vallone Sr.Democrat
33.2%1,570,317
Tom GolisanoIndependent
7.7%364,056
Betsy McCaugheyLibertarian
1.6%77,915
Michael ReynoldsRight to Life
1.2%56,683
Al LewisGreen
1.1%52,533
Thomas K. LeightonReform
0.5%24,788
Mary Alice FranceOther party
0.2%9,692
Chris GarveyLibertarian
0.1%4,722
Al DuncanSocialist Workers
0.1%2,539
4,735,236 votes
Source: English WikipediaUpdated Oct 5, 2026, 4:05 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 1998
Races before and after
Source: English WikipediaUpdated Oct 5, 2026, 4:05 AM ET
The candidates
George Pataki (R)Peter Vallone Sr. (D)Tom Golisano (I)
Also on the ballot: Betsy McCaughey (Libertarian), 1.6%; Michael Reynolds (Right to Life), 1.2%; Al Lewis (Green), 1.1%; Thomas K. Leighton (Reform), 0.5%; Mary Alice France (Other party), 0.2%; Chris Garvey (Libertarian), 0.1%; Al Duncan (Socialist Workers), 0.1%