2000 American Samoan gubernatorial election
{{Short description|none}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name = 2000 American Samoan gubernatorial election
| country = American Samoa
| type = Presidential
| ongoing = no
| previous_election = 1996 American Samoan gubernatorial election
| previous_year = 1996
| next_election = 2004 American Samoan general election
| next_year = 2004
| election_date = 7 November 2000
| image1 = 125px
| nominee1 = Tauese Sunia
| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)
| popular_vote1 = 6,110
| percentage1 = 51.43%
| image2 = 125px
| nominee2 = L. Peter Reid
| party2 = Independent (United States)
| popular_vote2 = 5,769
| percentage2 = 48.57%
| map_image =
| map_size =
| map_caption =
| title = Governor
| before_election = Tauese Sunia
| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)
| after_election = Tauese Sunia
| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)
}}
{{Politics of American Samoa}}
The 2000 American Samoan gubernatorial election was held on 7 November 2000, in order to elect the governor of American Samoa. Incumbent Democratic governor Tauese Sunia was narrowly re-elected against Independent candidate L. Peter Reid in a rematch of the previous election.{{cite web|title=Gov. Tauese P. F. Sunia|url=https://www.nga.org/governor/tauese-p-f-sunia/|publisher=National Governors Association|access-date=11 December 2023}}
On August 3, 2000, Rosalia Tisa Fa’amuli became the first woman to run for the office of Governor of American Samoa.Craig, Robert D. (2011). Historical Dictionary of Polynesia. Scarecrow Press. Page xxxi. ISBN 9780810867727. She operates Tisa's Barefoot Bar, one of the most renowned establishments in Alega, and ran for governor as the Green Party's candidate.
General election
On election day, 7 November 2000, Democratic nominee Tauese Sunia won re-election by a margin of 341 votes against his opponent Independent candidate L. Peter Reid, thereby holding Democratic control over the office of governor. Sunia was sworn in for his second term on 3 January 2001.{{cite web |url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=277719 |title=AS Governor |publisher=ourcampaigns.com |date=30 July 2008 |access-date=11 December 2023}}
= Results =
{{Election box begin no change | title=American Samoa gubernatorial election, 2000|
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Tauese Sunia (incumbent)
|votes = 6,110
|percentage = 51.43%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Independent (United States)
|candidate = L. Peter Reid
|votes = 5,769
|percentage = 48.57%
}}
{{Election box total no change
|votes = 11,879
|percentage = 100.00%
}}
{{Election box hold with party link no change
|winner= Democratic Party (United States)
|loser =
}}
{{Election box end}}
Aftermath
The election was marked by a close contest that paralleled the contentious nature of the U.S. presidential race held the same year. Incumbent governor Tauese Sunia secured re-election with 6,110 votes, narrowly defeating his opponent, territorial senator Leala P. Reid, who garnered 5,769 votes. Following the election, Reid challenged the results, alleging that Chief Election Officer Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono committed errors that compromised the integrity of the election and left the outcome uncertain. Reid's legal challenge questioned the handling of the vote, suggesting that the process was susceptible to fraud. The case was brought before a five-judge panel of the High Court of American Samoa. In its decision, the court upheld Sunia's re-election, stating that Reid had failed to provide "clear and convincing evidence" sufficient to overturn the election results.https://www.saipantribune.com/news/local/a-samoa-upholds-sunias-win/article_d847f76d-7a65-5adc-87b9-e393f200e7f4.html
References
{{Reflist}}
{{American Samoan elections}}
{{2000 United States elections}}
Category:2000 American Samoa elections
Category:2000 United States gubernatorial elections
Category:American Samoa gubernatorial elections
Category:2000 in American Samoa
Category:November 2000 in Oceania