The 2002 United States Senate election in Tennessee was held on November 5, 2002. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Fred Thompson decided to retire. Former Republican Governor Lamar Alexander won the open seat.

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

[[File:2002 United States Senate election in Tennessee republican primary results.png|thumb|center|Results by county:{{legend|#CC2F4A|Alexander}} {{legend|#F2B3BE|40–50%}} {{legend|#E27F90|50–60%}} {{legend|#CC2F4A|60–70%}} {{legend|#D40000|60–70%}}{{legend|#FF6600|Bryant}} {{legend|#FFB380|40–50%}} {{legend|#FF9955|50–60%}} {{legend|#FF7F2A|50–60%}} {{legend|#FF6600|70–80%}} {{legend|#D45500|80–90%}}|266x266px]]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

General election

Campaign

Alexander raised $2 million through June 2002. Clement attacked the Governor for his corporate connections and business dealings. By October, Clement had nearly raised $900,000, while Alexander raised almost $3 million. Bush, who had a 60% approval rating in the state, helped campaign and raise money for Alexander. Alexander was also endorsed by the NRA Political Victory Fund.

Debates

Predictions

Polling

In a September poll from the Knoxville News Sentinel, Alexander was up 45% to 27%. In a DNSC poll during the same month, Alexander was up 49% to 42%. In a mid October Zogby poll had the governor leading 49% to 36%. A late October WREG-TV poll had Alexander leading 45% to 36%.

Results

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic