In 1998, Davis was elected the Golden State's first Democratic governor in 16 years. "The San Jose Mercury News" called him "perhaps the best-trained governor-in-waiting California has ever produced." Davis was strongly viewed as a possible Democratic candidate for president in 2004. In March 1999, Davis enjoyed a 58% approval rating and just 12% disapproval. His numbers peaked in February 2000 with 62% approval and 20% disapproval, coinciding with the peak of the dot-com boom in California. Davis held his strong poll numbers into January 2001.