The Massachusetts gubernatorial election of 2002 was held on November 5, 2002. Republican businessman Mitt Romney defeated Democratic State Treasurer Shannon O'Brien, and was elected to a four-year term, which he served from January 2, 2003 until January 4, 2007. Every four years, Massachusetts holds statewide elections for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of the Commonwealth, State Treasurer, and Auditor. The primary election was September 17, 2002.