The 1992 Vermont gubernatorial election took place on November 3, 1992. After Republican Governor Richard Snelling died in office on August 13, 1991, Lieutenant Governor Howard Dean, a Democrat, took over for the remainder of his term. Dean ran successfully for election to a full term as Governor of Vermont, defeating Republican candidate John McClaughry. Dean's 74.7% of the vote is the best Democratic performance for governor in the history of the state.