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King was first elected in 1994, defeating both former Democratic Governor Joseph Brennan and Republican Susan Collins. King's election was a rarity not only in Maine politics, but nationally. During his tenure, he was one of only two Governors nationwide not affiliated with either of the two major parties, the other being Jesse Ventura of Minnesota.

Before being elected Governor, King was well-known statewide as a television host on Maine PBS and a successful businessman. As Governor, King's bipartisan ways proved extremely popular: in 19981998 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar), and was designated the International Year of the Ocean''. Events January January 1998 A massive ice storm, caused by El Nino, strikes New England, southern Ontario and Quebec, resulting, he was reelected with 59% of the vote to 19% for Republican Jim Longley Jr. and 12% for Democrat Thomas Connolly .