1986 United States gubernatorial elections

States where the margin of victory was under 1%:

1. Idaho, 1.0%

States where the margin of victory was under 5%:

1. Pennsylvania, 2.3%
2. Oklahoma, 2.9%
3. South Carolina, 3.1%
4. South Dakota, 3.6%
5. Iowa, 3.9%
6. Hawaii, 4.0%
7. Oregon, 4.0%
8. Alaska, 4.7%

States where the margin of victory was under 10%:

1. Arizona, 5.2%
2. Nebraska, 5.8%
3. New Mexico, 6.0%
4. Wisconsin, 6.5%
5. Texas, 6.7%
6. New Hampshire, 7.4%
7. Guam, 7.6%
8. Wyoming, 8.0%
9. Tennessee, 8.6%
10. Vermont, 8.7%
11. Florida, 9.2%
12. Maine, 9.7%

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Alabama gubernatorial election

| country = Alabama

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Alabama gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Alabama gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:HGuyHunt (cropped).JPG

| nominee1 = H. Guy Hunt

| party1 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 696,203

| percentage1 = 56.4%

| image2 = Bill Baxley (cropped).png

| nominee2 = Bill Baxley

| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 537,163

| percentage2 = 43.6%

| map_image = 1986 Alabama gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 250px

| map_caption = County results
Hunt: {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}}
Baxley: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = George Wallace

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = H. Guy Hunt

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Alabama gubernatorial election saw the election of Republican H. Guy Hunt over Democrat Bill Baxley. In state politics, this election is largely seen as a realigning election since Hunt was the first Republican to be elected governor in 114 years – the last Republican to be elected was David P. Lewis in 1872 during the Reconstruction era. In March 1986, incumbent George Wallace announced that he would not seek a fifth term as governor, ending an era in Alabama politics.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Alaska gubernatorial election

| country = Alaska

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Alaska gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| election_date = November 6, 1986

| next_election = 1990 Alaska gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| image1 = File:Steve Cowper 1977.jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| image_upright = 0.6

| nominee1 = Steve Cowper

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| running_mate1 = Steve McAlpine

| popular_vote1 = 84,943

| percentage1 = 47.31%

| title = Governor

| before_election = Bill Sheffield

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Steve Cowper

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| image2 = Arliss86.jpg

| nominee2 = Arliss Sturgulewski

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| running_mate2 = Terry Miller

| popular_vote2 = 76,515

| percentage2 = 42.61%

| image3 = File:Joe Vogler (cropped).jpg

| nominee3 = Joe Vogler

| party3 = Alaskan Independence Party

| running_mate3 = Al Rowe

| popular_vote3 = 10,013

| percentage3 = 5.58%

|map_image=1986 Alaska gubernatorial election by State House District.svg

|map_size=325px

|map_caption=Results by state house district
Cowper: {{legend0|#a5b0ff|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}}
Sturgulewski: {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}}

}}

The 1986 Alaska gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1986, for the post of Governor of Alaska. Incumbent Governor Bill Sheffield, a Democrat who was seeking re-election, was defeated by Steve Cowper in the Democratic primary election on August 26, 1986.{{cite news|first=Tegan|last=Hanlon |title=Former Alaska first lady Michael Margaret Stewart, ex-wife of Steve Cowper, dead at 62 |url=http://www.adn.com/article/20151027/former-alaska-first-lady-michael-margaret-stewart-ex-wife-steve-cowper-dead-62 |work=Alaska Dispatch News |date=2015-10-27 |access-date=2015-11-21}}{{cite news|title=Looking back in Fairbanks — Aug. 29 |url=http://www.newsminer.com/looking-back-in-fairbanks-aug/article_75bf6607-2198-5f22-8dc5-a49a1abcbff7.html |work=Fairbanks Daily News-Miner |date=2011-08-21 |access-date=2015-11-21}}

In the general election, Democratic state Representative Steve Cowper defeated Republican candidate Arliss Sturgulewski and Alaska Independence candidate Joe Vogler. Sturgulewski had defeated former governor Wally Hickel, former Libertarian nominee Dick Randolph, former State House Speaker Joe L. Hayes, and former Alaskan Independence nominee Don Wright for the Republican nomination.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Arizona gubernatorial election

| country = Arizona

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Arizona gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990–91 Arizona gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990–91

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:Evan Mecham %28Arizona governor%29.jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Evan Mecham

| party1 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 343,913

| percentage1 = 39.67%

| image2 = File:Carolyn Warner by Gage Skidmore.jpg

| nominee2 = Carolyn Warner

| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 298,986

| percentage2 = 34.49%

| image3 = 3x4.svg

| nominee3 = Bill Schulz

| party3 = Independent

| popular_vote3 = 224,085

| percentage3 = 25.85%

| map_image = 1986 Arizona gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 210px

| map_caption = County results
Mecham: {{legend0|#ffc8cd|30–40%}} {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40–50%}}
Warner: {{legend0|#a5b0ff|40–50%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Bruce Babbitt

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Evan Mecham

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Arizona gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1986, for the post of Governor of Arizona. Republican Evan Mecham, who defeated Burton Barr for the Republican nomination, defeated the Democratic nominee and State Superintendent Carolyn Warner and independent candidate Bill Schulz.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election|

| election_name = 1986 Arkansas gubernatorial election

| country = Arkansas

| flag_year = 1924

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1984 Arkansas gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1984

| next_election = 1990 Arkansas gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = Bill Clinton 1986.jpg

| nominee1 = Bill Clinton

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 439,802

| percentage1 = 63.90%

| image2 = File:Frank D. White 1995 (3x4a).jpg

| nominee2 = Frank D. White

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 248,427

| percentage2 = 36.10%

| map_image = 1986 Arkansas gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 210px

| map_caption = County results

Clinton: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}}

White: {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Bill Clinton

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Bill Clinton

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Arkansas gubernatorial election was conducted on November 4, 1986, to elect the Governor of Arkansas. Incumbent Democratic Governor Bill Clinton stood for re-election. He had been elected in 1982 and re-elected in 1984, and sought a third consecutive term and fourth overall (Clinton had been first elected in 1978). His opponent was former Republican Governor Frank D. White, who was seeking to return to the office he had defeated Clinton for in the 1980 election.

Clinton had defeated former Governor Orval Faubus for the Democratic nomination, while White defeated former Lieutenant Governor Maurice Britt in the Republican primary.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 California gubernatorial election

| country = California

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 California gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 California gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:George-Deukmejian-Official-Photo-Cropped.jpg

| nominee1 = George Deukmejian

| party1 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 4,505,601

| percentage1 = 60.54%

| image2 = Tom Bradley, 1986.jpg

| nominee2 = Tom Bradley

| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 2,781,714

| percentage2 = 37.38%

| map_image = {{switcher |300px|County results |300px|Congressional district results}}

| map_caption = Deukmejian: {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40-50%}} {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}} {{legend0|#c21b18|80–90%}}

Bradley: {{legend0|#a5b0ff|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = George Deukmejian

| before_party = Republican Party (United States)

| after_election = George Deukmejian

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 California gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1986. Incumbent Republican George Deukmejian won easily in this rematch over the Democratic challenger, Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley. This was the largest gubernatorial victory since that of Earl Warren in 1946, who won 91.64% of the vote.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Colorado gubernatorial election

| country = Colorado

| type = Presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Colorado gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Colorado gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:Roy Romer (CO).jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Roy Romer

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| running_mate1 = Mike Callihan

| popular_vote1 = 616,325

| percentage1 = 58.20%

| image2 = 3x4.svg

| nominee2 = Ted L. Strickland

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| running_mate2 = Kathy Arnold

| popular_vote2 = 434,420

| percentage2 = 41.03%

| map_image = 1986 Colorado gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 250px

| map_caption = County results
Romer: {{legend0|#a5b0ff|40–50%}}

{{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}}
{{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}}
Strickland: {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Richard Lamm

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Roy Romer

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Colorado gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986. Democratic nominee Roy Romer defeated Republican nominee Ted L. Strickland with 58.20% of the vote.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Connecticut gubernatorial election

| country = Connecticut

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Connecticut gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Connecticut gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = W A ONeill (cropped).jpg

| nominee1 = Bill O'Neill

| running_mate1 = Joseph J. Fauliso

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 575,638

| percentage1 = 57.93%

| image2 = 3x4.svg

| nominee2 = Julie Belaga

| running_mate2 = E. Clayton Gengras, Jr.

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 408,489

| percentage2 = 41.11%

| map = {{switcher|220px

|County results

|220px

|Municipality results}}

| map_caption = O'Neill: {{legend0|#a5b0ff|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996E2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674DE|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584CDE|70–80%}}
Belaga: {{legend0|#FFB2B2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#E27F7F|50–60%}} {{legend0|#D75D5D|60–70%}} {{legend0|#D72F30|70–80%}}

{{legend0|#D4C4DC|Tie}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Bill O'Neill

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Bill O'Neill

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Connecticut gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1986. Incumbent Democratic governor Bill O'Neill won his second full term against Republican assemblywoman Julie Belaga, who defeated Jerry Labriola for the Republican nomination. This election marked the last time a Democrat would win the governorship in Connecticut until the 2010 election, the last time a Democratic gubernatorial candidate has won every county in the state and the last time a Democrat won by a margin of larger than 5 percent until the 2022 election.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Florida gubernatorial election

| country = Florida

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Florida gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Florida gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:Bob Martinez 3x4 crop.jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Bob Martinez

| party1 = Republican Party of Florida

| running_mate1 = Bobby Brantley

| popular_vote1 = 1,847,525

| percentage1 = 54.6%

| image2 = File:Steve Pajcic.jpg

| nominee2 = Steve Pajcic

| party2 = Florida Democratic Party

| running_mate2 = Franklin B. Mann

| popular_vote2 = 1,538,620

| percentage2 = 45.4%

| map_image = 1986 Florida gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 300px

| map_caption = County results

Martinez: {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}}

Pajcic: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Bob Graham

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Bob Martinez

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Florida gubernatorial election took place alongside the midterm congressional elections. The Democratic Party won many victories across the country (including retaking the Senate). However, in Florida, where Democrats gained the Senate seat from Republicans, they lost the Governorship for just the second time since Reconstruction.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Georgia gubernatorial election

| country = Georgia (U.S. state)

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Georgia gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Georgia gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| flag_year = 1956

| image1 = File:Joe Frank Harris.jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Joe Frank Harris

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 828,465

| percentage1 = 70.51%

| image2 = 3x4.svg

| nominee2 = Guy Davis

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 346,512

| percentage2 = 29.49%

| map_image = 1986 Georgia gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 250px

| map_caption = County results
Harris: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Joe Frank Harris

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Joe Frank Harris

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Georgia gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986. Governor Joe Frank Harris (D) was overwhelmingly re-elected over Guy Davis (R) to win re-election.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Hawaii gubernatorial election

| country = Hawaii

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Hawaii gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Hawaii gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:John Waihee.jpg

| nominee1 = John D. Waiheʻe III

| running_mate1 = Ben Cayetano

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 173,655

| percentage1 = 52.0%

| image2 = 3x4.svg

| nominee2 = D. G. Anderson

| running_mate2 = John Henry Felix

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 160,460

| percentage2 = 48.0%

| map_image = 1986 Hawaii gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 310px

| map_caption = County results
Waiheʻe: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = George Ariyoshi

| after_election = John D. Waiheʻe III

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Hawaii gubernatorial election was Hawaii's eighth gubernatorial election. The election was held on November 4, 1986, and resulted in a victory for the Democratic candidate, Lt. Gov. John D. Waiheʻe III over the Republican candidate, State Senator D. G. Anderson.{{cite web|url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=561 |title=Candidate – D.G. "Andy" Anderson |publisher=Our Campaigns |access-date=2013-02-28}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Idaho gubernatorial election

| country = Idaho

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Idaho gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Idaho gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = Image:Cecil D Andrus.png

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Cecil Andrus

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 193,429

| percentage1 = 49.9%

| image2 = 3x4.svg

| nominee2 = David Leroy

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 189,794

| percentage2 = 49.0%

| map_image = 1986 Idaho gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 180px

| map_caption = County results
Andrus: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}}
Leroy: {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = John V. Evans

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Cecil Andrus

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Idaho gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986 to elect the governor of the state of Idaho. Cecil Andrus, a former Democratic governor, was elected defeating the Republican Lieutenant Governor David Leroy.

This was an open seat election; longtime incumbent John V. Evans ran for the U.S. Senate, but lost. This was the first open-seat gubernatorial election in Idaho or the first open-seat Idaho gubernatorial election since 1954.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Illinois gubernatorial election

| country = Illinois

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Illinois gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Illinois gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:Governor James Thompson 2 (3x4).jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Jim Thompson

| running_mate1 = George Ryan

| party1 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 1,655,849

| percentage1 = 52.67%

| image2 = Adlai III (3x4) (cropped less).jpg

| nominee2 = Adlai Stevenson III

| party2 = Solidarity Party (Illinois)

| running_mate2 = Mike Howlett

| popular_vote2 = 1,256,626

| percentage2 = 39.97%

| image3 = NOTA Option Logo 3x4.svg

| nominee3 = No nominee

| party3 = Democratic Party (United States)

| running_mate3 = Mark Fairchild

| popular_vote3 = 208,830

| percentage3 = 6.64%

| map_image = {{switcher |x300px|County results |300px|Township results}}

| map_size =

| map_caption = Thompson: {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40-50%}} {{legend0|#e27f7f|50-60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60-70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70-80%}} {{legend0|#C21B18|80-90%}}
Stevenson: {{legend0|#87de87|40-50%}} {{legend0|#5FD35F|50-60%}} {{legend0|#37C837|60-70%}} {{legend0|#2CA02C|70-80%}} {{legend0|#217821|80-90%}}
Tie: {{legend0|#DECDE6|30-40%}} {{legend0|#D2B1D9|40-50%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = James R. Thompson

| before_party = Republican Party (United States)

| after_election = James R. Thompson

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

| turnout = 52.37% {{decrease}} 9.21 pp

}}

The 1986 Illinois gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986. Republican candidate James R. Thompson won a fourth term in office, defeating the Illinois Solidarity Party nominee, former United States Senator Adlai Stevenson III, by around 400,000 votes.

{{Clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Iowa gubernatorial election

| country = Iowa

| flag_image = Flag of Iowa (xrmap collection).svg

| type = Presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Iowa gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Iowa gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:Terry Branstad attends recommissioning ceremony for USS Iowa, Apr 28, 1984.JPEG

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Terry Branstad

| party1 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 472,712

| percentage1 = 51.9%

| image2 = File:Lowell Junkins.jpg

| nominee2 = Lowell Junkins

| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 436,987

| percentage2 = 48.0%

| map_image = 1986 Iowa gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 240px

| map_caption = County results

Branstad: {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}}

Junkins: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Terry Branstad

| before_party = Republican Party (United States)

| after_election = Terry Branstad

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Iowa gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986. Incumbent Republican Terry Branstad defeated Democratic nominee Lowell Junkins with 51.91% of the vote.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Kansas gubernatorial election

| country = Kansas

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Kansas gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Kansas gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:Mike Hayden.jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Mike Hayden

| party1 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 436,267

| percentage1 = 51.9%

| image2 = 3x4.svg

| nominee2 = Thomas Docking

| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 404,338

| percentage2 = 48.1%

| map_image = 1986 Kansas gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 270px

| map_caption = County results
Hayden: {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}} {{legend0|#c21b18|80–90%}}
Docking: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = John W. Carlin

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Mike Hayden

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Kansas gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986. Incumbent Democratic Governor John W. Carlin did not run for re-election. Republican nominee Mike Hayden, then Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives, beat the Democratic nominee Thomas Docking, who was then the incumbent Lieutenant Governor of Kansas.{{cite web|title=1986 Gubernatorial General Election Results - Kansas|publisher=US Election Atlas|url=https://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/state.php?fips=20&year=1986&f=0&off=5&elect=0|date=April 2022}} This was the last gubernatorial election in Kansas in which the winner was of the same party as the incumbent president until Laura Kelly's victory in 2022.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Maine gubernatorial election

| country = Maine

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Maine gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Maine gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image_size = x150px

| image1 = File:Governor John McKernan official portrait (cropped).jpg

| nominee1 = John McKernan

| party1 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 170,312

| percentage1 = 39.9%

| image2 = File:James Tierney (attorney).png

| nominee2 = James Tierney

| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 128,744

| percentage2 = 30.2%

| image4 = 100px

| nominee4 = Sherry Huber

| party4 = Independent

| popular_vote4 = 64,317

| percentage4 = 15.1%

| image5 = 100px

| nominee5 = John Menario

| party5 = Independent

| popular_vote5 = 63,474

| percentage5 = 14.9%

| map_image = 1986 Maine Gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 300px

| map_caption = County results
McKernan: {{legend0|#ffc8cd|30–40%}} {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40–50%}}
Tierney: {{legend0|#bdd3ff|30–40%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Joseph Brennan

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = John McKernan

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Maine gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1986. Incumbent Democratic Governor Joseph Brennan was term limited and ineligible to seek re-election. First district Congressman John McKernan defeated Democratic Party challenger James Tierney as well as former Republican turned Independent Sherry Huber and former Portland, Maine, city manager John Menario, making McKernan the first Republican to win The Blaine House since 1962.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Maryland gubernatorial election

| country = Maryland

| type = Presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Maryland gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Maryland gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:William Donald Schaefer.jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = William Donald Schaefer

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| running_mate1 = Melvin Steinberg

| popular_vote1 = 907,291

| percentage1 = 82.37%

| image2 = 3x4.svg

| nominee2 = Thomas J. Mooney

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| running_mate2 = Melvin A. Bilal

| popular_vote2 = 194,185

| percentage2 = 17.63%

| map_image = 1986 Maryland gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 295px

| map_caption = County results

Schaefer: {{legend0|#6674de|60-70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70-80%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80-90%}} {{legend0|#0d0596|>90%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Harry Hughes

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = William Donald Schaefer

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Maryland gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986. Democratic nominee William Donald Schaefer defeated Republican nominee Thomas J. Mooney with 82.37% of the vote.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

| country = Massachusetts

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Massachusetts gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 3, 1986

| turnout = 57.41% {{decrease}} 25.1 {{Cite web|url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=24521|title=Our Campaigns - MA Governor Race - Nov 04, 1986|website=www.ourcampaigns.com|accessdate=February 11, 2024}}

| image_size = x150px

| image1 = File:Michael Dukakis 1988 DNC (2).jpg

| nominee1 = Michael Dukakis

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| running_mate1 = Evelyn Murphy

| popular_vote1 = 1,157,786

| percentage1 = 68.79%

| image2 = 3x4.svg

| nominee2 = George Kariotis

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| running_mate2 = Nicholas Nikitas

| popular_vote2 = 525,364

| percentage2 = 31.21%

| map_image = {{switcher

|300px

|County results

|File:1986 Massachusetts Gubernatorial Election by Municipality.svg

|Municipality results

|default=1

}}

| map_size = 250px

| map_caption = Dukakis: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}}

{{legend0|#3933E5|80–90%}}
Kariotis: {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Michael Dukakis

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Michael Dukakis

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986. Michael Dukakis was elected Governor of Massachusetts for a third term. He defeated Republican George Kariotis by a 69–31% margin. This was the last time a Democrat was elected governor of Massachusetts until 2006.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Michigan gubernatorial election

| country = Michigan

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Michigan gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Michigan gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:James Blanchard (MI) (cropped).png

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = James Blanchard

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 1,632,138

| percentage1 = 68.10%

| image2 = 3x4.svg

| nominee2 = William Lucas

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 753,647

| percentage2 = 31.45%

| map_image = {{switcher |300px|County results|File:1986 Michigan gubernatorial election results map by municipality.svg|Municipality results|default=1}}

| map_size = 300px

| map_caption = Blanchard: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}} {{legend0|#0D0596|>90%}}
Lucas: {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#D75D5D|60–70%}} {{legend0|#D72F30|70–80%}} {{legend0|#C21B18|80–90%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = James Blanchard

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = James Blanchard

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Michigan gubernatorial election was held on November 4.

The primary elections occurred on August 6, 1986.{{cite book |last=Michigan |date=1989 |title=Michigan manual. 1987/1988. |via=HathiTrust |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015071179363 |language=en }} The Democrats nominated incumbent governor James Blanchard. The Republicans nominated Wayne County executive William Lucas, who made history by being the first African-American nominee by either major party for Governor of Michigan.

Blanchard was re-elected by a landslide, winning the election with 68.1% of the vote.{{cite web | first=Randy | last=Parker |author2=RBH | title=Our Campaigns: MI U.S. Senate | date= June 14, 2009 | publisher = Our Campaigns | url=http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=40126 }}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Minnesota gubernatorial election

| country = Minnesota

| flag_year = 1983

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Minnesota gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| next_election = 1990 Minnesota gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| image1 = File:Rudy Perpich (cropped).jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Rudy Perpich

| party1 = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party

| running_mate1 = Marlene Johnson

| popular_vote1 = 790,138

| percentage1 = 56.11%

| map_image = 1986 Minnesota gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 280px

| map_caption = County results
Perpich: {{legend0|#A5B0FF|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}}
Ludeman: {{legend0|#FFB2B2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#E27F7F|50–60%}} {{legend0|#D75D5D |60–70%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Rudy Perpich

| before_party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party

| after_election = Rudy Perpich

| after_party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party

| image2 = Image:Cal Ludeman.jpg

| nominee2 = Cal Ludeman

| running_mate2 = Dennis W. Schulstad

| party2 = Independent-Republican Party

| popular_vote2 = 606,755

| percentage2 = 43.09%

| flag_image =

}}

The 1986 Minnesota gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1986. Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party candidate Rudy Perpich defeated Independent-Republican Party challenger Cal Ludeman. George Latimer unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic nomination.

Democrats would not win another gubernatorial election in the state until 2010.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Nebraska gubernatorial election

| country = Nebraska

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Nebraska gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Nebraska gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:Kay A. Orr.jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Kay Orr

| running_mate1 = Bill Nichol

| party1 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 298,325

| percentage1 = 52.9%

| image2 = File:Helen Boosalis.jpg

| nominee2 = Helen Boosalis

| running_mate2 = Donald McGinley

| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 265,156

| percentage2 = 47.0%

| map_image = 1986 Nebraska gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_caption = County results

Orr: {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40-50%}} {{legend0|#e27f7f|50-60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60-70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70-80%}} {{legend0|#c21b18|80-90%}}

Boosalis: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}}

| map_size = 300px

| title = Governor

| before_election = Bob Kerrey

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Kay Orr

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Nebraska gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986, and featured state Treasurer Kay Orr, a Republican, defeating Democratic nominee, former Mayor of Lincoln Helen Boosalis. Incumbent Democratic governor Bob Kerrey did not seek a second term.

The election was the first state gubernatorial election in U.S. history where the candidates of both major national parties were women.Knudson, Thomas J. [https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE7D8113DF93AA35752C0A961948260 "Nebraska, in new page to history, installs woman".] [https://www.nytimes.com/ New York Times.] 1987-01-09. Retrieved 2017-09-17.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Nevada gubernatorial election

| country = Nevada

| flag_year = 1929

| type = presidential

| election_date = {{Start date|1986|11|4}}

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Nevada gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Nevada gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| image1 = File:Richard Bryan.jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Richard Bryan

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 187,268

| percentage1 = 73.5%

| image2 = 3x4.svg

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| nominee2 = Patty Cafferata

| popular_vote2 = 65,081

| percentage2 = 25.5%

| map_image = 1986 Nevada gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 250px

| map_caption = County results

Bryan: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Richard Bryan

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Richard Bryan

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Nevada gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1986. Incumbent Democrat Richard Bryan won re-election to a second term as Governor of Nevada, defeating Republican nominee Patty Cafferata.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 New Hampshire gubernatorial election

| country = New Hampshire

| type = presidential

| ongoing = Yes

| previous_election = 1984 New Hampshire gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1984

| next_election = 1988 New Hampshire gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1988

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:John H. Sununu (cropped).jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = John H. Sununu

| party1 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 134,824

| percentage1 = 53.72%

| image2 = 3x4.svg

| nominee2 = Paul McEachern

| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 116,142

| percentage2 = 46.28%

| title = Governor

| map = {{switcher

|x240px

|County results

|x240px

|Municipality results}}

| map_caption = Sununu: {{legend0|#E27F7F|50–60%}} {{legend0|#D75D5D|60–70%}} {{legend0|#D72F30|70–80%}} {{legend0|#C21B18|80–90%}} {{legend0|#a80000|>90%}}
McEachern: {{legend0|#7996E2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674DE|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584CDE|70–80%}} {{legend0|#0D0596|>90%}}

| before_election = John H. Sununu

| before_party = Republican Party (United States)

| after_election = John H. Sununu

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 New Hampshire gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1986. Incumbent Governor John Sununu was re-elected to a third term in office, defeating Paul McEachern, who had defeated Paul M. Gagnon for the Democratic nomination.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 New Mexico gubernatorial election

| type = presidential

| country = New Mexico

| previous_election = 1982 New Mexico gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 New Mexico gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| ongoing = no

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| registered =

| turnout =

| image1 = File:Garrey Carruthers (cropped).jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Garrey Carruthers

| party1 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 209,455

| percentage1 = 53.05%

| image2 = 3x4.svg

| nominee2 = Ray Powell

| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 185,378

| percentage2 = 46.95%

| map_image = 1986 New Mexico gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 230px

| map_alt =

| map =

| map_caption = County results
Carruthers: {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}}
Powell: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Toney Anaya

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Garrey Carruthers

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 New Mexico gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1986, in order to elect the governor of New Mexico. Due to term limits, incumbent Democratic governor Toney Anaya was ineligible to seek a second term as governor.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 New York gubernatorial election

| country = New York

| flag_image = Flag of New York (1909–2020).svg

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 New York gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 New York gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = Image:Mario Cuomo 1991.jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Mario Cuomo

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| alliance1 = Liberal

| running_mate1 = Stan Lundine

| popular_vote1 = 2,775,045

| percentage1 = 64.63%

| image2 = File:Andrew O'Rourke (cropped).jpg

| nominee2 = Andrew O'Rourke

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| alliance2 = Conservative

| running_mate2 = E. Michael Kavanagh

| popular_vote2 = 1,363,968

| percentage2 = 31.77%

| map_image = 1986 New York gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_caption = County results
Cuomo: {{legend0|#a5b0ff|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}}

{{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}}
O'Rourke: {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Mario Cuomo

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Mario Cuomo

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 New York gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986, to elect the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of New York. Incumbent Democratic governor Mario Cuomo defeated Republican Andrew O'Rourke, the County Executive of Westchester County in a landslide. Cuomo carried all but 5 counties.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Ohio gubernatorial election

| country = Ohio

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Ohio gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Ohio gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:Richard Celeste (Ohio governor 1982) (cropped).png

| nominee1 = Dick Celeste

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 1,858,372

| percentage1 = 60.6%

| image2 = File:Jim Rhodes in Bettsville, Ohio October 15, 1981 (1).jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee2 = Jim Rhodes

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 1,207,264

| percentage2 = 39.4%

| map_image = {{Switcher

| 210px

| County results

| 210px

| Township results

}}

| map_size = 210px

| map_caption = Celeste: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933E5|80–90%}} {{legend0|#0D0596|>90%}}
Rhodes: {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#D75D5D|60–70%}} {{legend0|#D72F30|70–80%}} {{legend0|#C21B18|80–90%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Dick Celeste

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Dick Celeste

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Ohio gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986. Incumbent Democratic Governor Dick Celeste ran against four time former Governor Jim Rhodes, who had previously defeated the last two incumbent Democratic governors in 1962 and 1974.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Oklahoma gubernatorial election

| country = Oklahoma

| flag_image = Flag of Oklahoma (1941–1988).svg

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Oklahoma gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Oklahoma gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:BellmonHL.jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Henry Bellmon

| party1 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 431,762

| percentage1 = 47.4%

| image2 = File:David Walters.jpg

| nominee2 = David Walters

| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 405,295

| percentage2 = 44.5%

| image3 = 3x4.svg

| nominee3 = Jerry Brown

| party3 = Independent (politician)

| popular_vote3 = 60,115

| percentage3 = 6.6%

| map_image = 1986 Oklahoma gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 300px

| map_caption = County results

Bellmon: {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40-50%}} {{legend0|#e27f7f|50-60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60-70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70-80%}}

Walters: {{legend0|#a5b0ff|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = George Nigh

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Henry Bellmon

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Oklahoma gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986, to elect the governor of Oklahoma. Republican former Governor and Senator Henry Bellmon won the election by a plurality with Independent Jerry Brown receiving more than twice the number of votes separating Bellmon from Democrat David Walters.{{cite web |title=1986 results |url=https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/elections/election-results/1986-election-results/1986-results.pdf |publisher=Oklahoma State Election Board |pages=1, 3, 6, 8}}

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Oregon gubernatorial election

| country = Oregon

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Oregon gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Oregon gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:Neil_Goldschmidt.jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Neil Goldschmidt

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 549,456

| percentage1 = 51.9%

| image2 = File:Norma Paulus-1976.jpg

| nominee2 = Norma Paulus

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 506,989

| percentage2 = 47.9%

| map_image = 1986 Oregon gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 250px

| map_caption = County results
Goldschmidt: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}}
Paulus: {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Victor Atiyeh

| before_party = Republican Party (United States)

| after_election = Neil Goldschmidt

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Oregon gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1986. Democratic nominee Neil Goldschmidt defeated Republican Norma Paulus to win the election.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election

| country = Pennsylvania

| type = presidential

| election_date = {{Start date|1986|11|4}}

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| image_size = x150px

| image1 = Bob Casey 1986 Color Correction.jpg

| nominee1 = Bob Casey

| running_mate1 = Mark Singel

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 1,717,484

| percentage1 = 50.69%

| image2 = William Scranton III.png

| nominee2 = Bill Scranton III

| running_mate2 = Mike Fisher

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 1,638,268

| percentage2 = 48.34%

| map_image = {{switcher |260px|County results |260px|Municipality results}}

| map_size = 250px

| map_caption = Casey: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584CDE|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933E5|80–90%}} {{legend0|#0D0596|>90%}}
Scranton: {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}} {{legend0|#C21B18|80–90%}} {{legend0|#A80000|>90%}}
{{legend0|#AE8BB1|Tie}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Dick Thornburgh

| before_party = Republican Party (United States)

| after_election = Robert P. Casey

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986. Democrat Bob Casey narrowly defeated Republican Bill Scranton III, in a race that featured two very high-profile candidates.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Rhode Island gubernatorial election

| country = Rhode Island

| type = Presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1984 Rhode Island gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1984

| next_election = 1988 Rhode Island gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1988

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:RI Governor Edward D. DiPrete 1985-1991 (cropped).jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Edward D. DiPrete

| party1 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 208,822

| percentage1 = 64.7%

| image2 = File:Bruce Sundlun.jpg

| nominee2 = Bruce Sundlun

| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 104,504

| percentage2 = 32.4%

| map = {{switcher|250px

|County results

|250px

|Municipality results}}

| map_caption = DiPrete: {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}} {{legend0|#c21b18|80–90%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Edward D. DiPrete

| before_party = Republican Party (United States)

| after_election = Edward D. DiPrete

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Rhode Island gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986. Incumbent Republican Edward D. DiPrete defeated Democratic nominee Bruce Sundlun with 64.70% of the vote.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 South Carolina gubernatorial election

| country = South Carolina

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 South Carolina gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 South Carolina gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = Image:Campbell, Carroll (cropped).jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Carroll Campbell

| party1 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 384,565

| percentage1 = 51.0%

| image2 = 3x4.svg

| nominee2 = Michael R. Daniel

| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 361,328

| percentage2 = 47.9%

| map_image = 1986 South Carolina gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 230px

| map_caption = County results
Campbell: {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}}
Daniel: {{legend0|#a5b0ff|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Richard Riley

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Carroll A. Campbell Jr.

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 South Carolina gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986, to select the governor of the state of South Carolina. Carroll A. Campbell Jr., a Republican representative of the 4th congressional district, narrowly defeated Democrat Michael R. Daniel to become the 112th governor of South Carolina and only the second Republican governor since Reconstruction.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

|election_name = 1986 South Dakota gubernatorial election

|country = South Dakota

| flag_year = 1963

|type = presidential

|ongoing = no

|previous_election = 1982 South Dakota gubernatorial election

|previous_year = 1982

|election_date = {{Start date|1986|11|4}}

|next_election = 1990 South Dakota gubernatorial election

|next_year = 1990

|image1 = File:George S. Mickelson (cropped).jpeg

| image_size = 150x150px

|nominee1 = George Mickelson

|party1 = Republican Party (United States)

|running_mate1 = Walter D. Miller

|popular_vote1 = 152,543

|percentage1 = 51.8%

|image2 = 3x4.svg

|nominee2 = Lars Herseth

|party2 = Democratic Party (United States)

|running_mate2 = Ted Thoms

|popular_vote2 = 141,898

|percentage2 = 48.2%

|map_image = 1986 South Dakota gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

|map_size = 260px

| map_caption = County results
Mickelson: {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}}
Herseth: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}}

|title = Governor

|before_party = Republican Party (United States)

|before_election = Bill Janklow

|after_election = George Mickelson

|after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986 to elect the Governor of South Dakota. Incumbent Bill Janklow was term-limited, so the field for the new governor was open. Republican nominee George S. Mickelson was elected, defeating Democratic nominee Ralph Lars Herseth.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Tennessee gubernatorial election

| country = Tennessee

| type = Presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Tennessee gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Tennessee gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:Ned R. McWherter speaking at a ceremony, Dec 17, 1988 (cropped).JPEG

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Ned McWherter

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 656,602

| percentage1 = 54.26%

| image2 = File:Governor Winfield Dunn.jpeg

| nominee2 = Winfield Dunn

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 553,449

| percentage2 = 45.74%

| map_image = 1986 Tennessee gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 300px

| map_caption = County results
McWherter: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}}
Dunn: {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Lamar Alexander

| before_party = Republican Party (United States)

| after_election = Ned McWherter

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Tennessee gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986, to elect the next governor of Tennessee. Democratic nominee Ned McWherter defeated former Republican governor Winfield Dunn with 54.3% of the vote.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Texas gubernatorial election

| country = Texas

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Texas gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Texas gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:Bill Clements in 1978 (cropped).jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Bill Clements

| party1 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 1,813,779

| percentage1 = 52.7%

| image2 = File:Governor Mark White.jpg

| nominee2 = Mark White

| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 1,584,515

| percentage2 = 46.0%

| map_image = 1986 Texas gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 310px

| map_caption = County results
Clements: {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40–50%}}

{{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}} {{legend0|#c21b18|80–90%}}
White: {{legend0|#a5b0ff|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Mark White

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Bill Clements

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Texas gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986, to elect the governor of Texas. The election was a rematch of the 1982 election, as incumbent Democratic governor Mark White ran for reelection against former Republican governor Bill Clements. Clements was elected to a second, non-consecutive term as governor, winning 53% of the vote to White's 46%.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Vermont gubernatorial election

| country = Vermont

| type = presidential

| election_date = {{Start date|1986|11|4}}

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1984 Vermont gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1984

| next_election = 1988 Vermont gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1988

| image1 = File:Madeleine Kunin (D-VT).jpg

| image_size = x150px

| nominee1 = Madeleine Kunin

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| electoral_vote1 = 139

| popular_vote1 = 92,485

| percentage1 = 47.0%

| image2 = File:Peter Plympton Smith.jpg

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| electoral_vote2 = 39

| nominee2 = Peter Smith

| popular_vote2 = 75,239

| percentage2 = 38.2%

| image3 = File:Portrait of Bernie Sanders in c. 1986 (1).jpg

| party3 = Independent

| electoral_vote3 = 2

| nominee3 = Bernie Sanders

| popular_vote3 = 28,418

| percentage3 = 14.4%

| map = {{switcher

|x220px

|County results

|x220px

|Municipality results }}

| map_caption = Kunin: {{legend0|#BDD3FF|30-40%}} {{legend0|#A5B0FF|40-50%}} {{legend0|#7996E2|50-60%}} {{legend0|#6674DE|60-70%}}
Smith: {{legend0|#FFC8CD|30-40%}} {{legend0|#FFB2B2|40-50%}} {{legend0|#E27F7F|50-60%}} {{legend0|#D75D5D|60-70%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Madeleine Kunin

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Madeleine Kunin

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Vermont gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1986. Incumbent Democrat Madeleine Kunin ran successfully for re-election to a second term as Governor of Vermont, defeating Republican candidate Peter Plympton Smith and independent candidate Bernie Sanders. Since no candidate won a majority of the popular vote, Kunin was elected by the Vermont General Assembly per the state constitution.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Wisconsin gubernatorial election

| country = Wisconsin

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Wisconsin gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Wisconsin gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| image1 = File:Tommy Thompson (WI) (3x4) a.jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Tommy G. Thompson

| running_mate1 = Scott McCallum

| party1 = Republican Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 805,090

| percentage1 = 52.73%

| image2 = File:Anthony Earl (Wisconsin Governor) (3x4) b.jpg

| nominee2 = Anthony S. Earl

| running_mate2 = Sharon K. Metz

| party2 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote2 = 705,578

| percentage2 = 46.21%

| map_image = 1986 Wisconsin gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 260px

| map_caption = County results
Thompson: {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}}
Earl: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Anthony S. Earl

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Tommy G. Thompson

| after_party = Republican Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Wisconsin gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986. Republican Tommy G. Thompson won the election with 53% of the vote, winning his first term as Governor of Wisconsin and defeating incumbent Governor Anthony S. Earl.{{cite book |author=Joint Committee on Legislative Organization, Wisconsin Legislature |date=2015 |title=Wisconsin Blue Book 2015-2016 |location=Madison, Wisconsin |publisher=Wisconsin Department of Administration |pages=699–701 |isbn=978-0-9752820-7-6}} This was the first time since 1962 that the winner of a Wisconsin gubernatorial election was of the same party as the incumbent president. Jonathan B. Barry unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| election_name = 1986 Wyoming gubernatorial election

| country = Wyoming

| type = presidential

| election_date = November 4, 1986

| ongoing = no

| previous_election = 1982 Wyoming gubernatorial election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Wyoming gubernatorial election

| next_year = 1990

| image1 = File:WY Governor Mike Sullivan WSA OH-2104.jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Mike Sullivan

| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)

| popular_vote1 = 88,879

| percentage1 = 53.96%

| image2 = 3x4.svg

| party2 = Republican Party (United States)

| nominee2 = Pete Simpson

| popular_vote2 = 75,841

| percentage2 = 46.04%

| map_image = 1986 Wyoming gubernatorial election results map by county.svg

| map_size = 250px

| map_caption = County results

Sullivan: {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}}

Simpson: {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}}

| title = Governor

| before_election = Edgar Herschler

| before_party = Democratic Party (United States)

| after_election = Mike Sullivan

| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)

}}

The 1986 Wyoming gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1986. Popular three-term Democratic Governor Edgar Herschler announced that he would not seek a fourth term, creating an open seat.{{cite news|date=March 11, 1986|title=Jim Bace joints tight GOP race|work=Casper Star-Tribune|location=Casper, Wyo.|page=B1}} Attorney Mike Sullivan emerged as the unlikely Democratic nominee, and faced former state representative Pete Simpson, the Republican nominee and the brother of then-U.S. senator Alan K. Simpson, in the general election. Despite Sullivan's political inexperience, he was able to defeat Simpson by a decisive margin, winning his first of two terms in office.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox election

| country = District of Columbia

| type = presidential

| ongoing = no

| turnout =

| previous_election = 1982 Washington, D.C., mayoral election

| previous_year = 1982

| next_election = 1990 Washington, D.C., mayoral election

| next_year = 1990

| election_date = November 6, 1986

| image1 = File:Marion Barry, 1996 in Washington, D.C (1).jpg

| image_size = 150x150px

| nominee1 = Marion Barry

| party1 = District of Columbia Democratic State Committee

| popular_vote1 = 79,142

| percentage1 = 61.4%

| image2 = File:06.CapitalPrideParade.WDC.7June1998 (24674315520) (cropped).jpg

| nominee2 = Carol Schwartz

| party2 = District of Columbia Republican Party

| popular_vote2 = 42,354

| percentage2 = 32.9%

| title = Mayor

| before_election = Marion Barry

| before_party = District of Columbia Democratic State Committee

| after_election = Marion Barry

| after_party = District of Columbia Democratic State Committee

| map_size = 235px

|map_image=File:DC 1986 Mayorial Election By Ward.svg|map_caption=Results by ward
Barry: {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}}
Schwartz: {{legend0|#E27F7F|50–60%}} {{legend0|#C21B18|80–90%}}

}}

On November 6, 1986, Washington, D.C., held an election for its mayor, with Democratic candidate and incumbent mayor Marion Barry defeating Republican candidate Carol Schwartz.

{{clear}}

{{Election box begin no change |title=Guam election}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (US)

|candidate = Joseph Franklin Ada

|percentage = 53.8%

}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (US)

|candidate = Ricardo Bordallo

|percentage = 46.2%

}}{{Election box total no change

|percentage = 100.00

}}{{Election box hold with party link no change

|winner = Republican Party (US)

}}{{Election box end}}

{{clear}}

{{clear}}

{{Election box begin no change |title=U.S. Virgin Islands election}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (US)

|candidate = Alexander Farrelly

|percentage = 65.4%

}}{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent (US)

|candidate = Adelbert Bryan

|percentage = 34.6%

}}{{Election box total no change

|percentage = 100.00

}}{{Election box hold with party link no change

|winner = Democratic Party (US)

}}{{Election box end}}

{{clear}}

• 1986 United States elections
• 1986 United States Senate elections
• 1986 United States House of Representatives elections

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{USGovElections}}

{{1986 United States elections}}

Category:November 1986 in the United States