1986 United States Senate elections

* * *

| ← 1984 | November 4, 1986 | 1988 →

|
|

← 1980

1992 →

* * *

34 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate
51 seats needed for a majority
|   | Majority party  | Minority party

|
|

|  |
Leader  | Robert Byrd | Bob Dole
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Leader since  | January 3, 1977  | January 3, 1985
Leader's seat  | West Virginia | Kansas
Seats before  | 47  | 53
Seats after  | 55 | 45
Seat change  |  8  |  8
Popular vote  | 24,347,369[1] | 23,126,219[a][1]
Percentage  | 50.1% | 47.6%
Seats up  | 12  | 22
Races won  | 20 | 14

* * *

Results of the elections:
Democratic gain      Democratic hold
Republican gain      Republican hold
No election

* * *

Rectangular inset (North Carolina): both seats up for election

* * *

| Majority Leader before election

Bob Dole
Republican

| Elected Majority Leader

Robert Byrd
Democratic

|

The 1986 United States Senate elections were elections for the United States Senate. Held on November 4, in the middle of Ronald Reagan's second presidential term, the 34 seats of Class 3 were contested in regular elections. The Republicans had to defend an unusually large number of freshman Senate incumbents who had been elected on President Ronald Reagan's coattails in 1980. Democrats won a net of eight seats, defeating seven freshman incumbents, picking up two Republican-held open seats, and regaining control of the Senate for the first time since January 1981. This remains the most recent midterm election cycle in which the sitting president's party suffered net losses while still flipping a Senate seat.

Democrats gained a net eight seats, and recaptured control of the Senate from the Republicans with a 55–45 majority. They defeated seven incumbents, all but one of whom had been elected in 1980, and gained open seats held by retiring Republicans in Maryland and Nevada. Republicans gained one open seat in Missouri. Bob Dole (R-Kansas) and Robert Byrd (D-West Virginia) exchanged positions as the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader. However, the Democratic majority would be reduced to 54-46 following the March 1987 death of Democrat Edward Zorinsky, who was then replaced with a Republican.

This was the last election cycle — until 2016 — in which the Democrats in this class of senators amassed a gain in seats (not including special elections held in off-years in some states to fill the seats that had been vacated by senators due to death, resignation, or otherwise).

## Results summary

[edit]

↓  55 | 45

|

Democratic  | Republican

Shading indicates party with largest share of that line.

Parties  |  |  |  |  |  | Total

|
|
|
|
|
|

Democratic | Republican | Independent | Libertarian | Other
Last elections (1984)
Before these elections  | 47  | 53  | 0  | 0  | 0  | 100
Not up  | 35  | 31  | —  | —  | —  | 66

Class 3 (1980→1986) | 12  | 22  | —  | —  | —  | 34
Incumbent retired  | 3  | 3  | —  | —  | —  | 6
| Held by same party | 2  | 1  | —  | —  | —  | 3
Replaced by other party | 2 Republicans replaced by 2 Democrats
1 Democrat replaced by 1 Republican  | —  | —  | —  | 3
Result  | 4  | 2  | 0  | 0  | 0  | 6
Incumbent ran  | 9  | 19  | —  | —  | —  | 28
| Won re-election | 9  | 12  | —  | —  | —  | 21
Lost re-election | 7 Republicans replaced by 7 Democrats  | —  | —  | —  | 7
Lost renomination,
but held by same party | 0  | 0  | —  | —  | —  | 0
Result  | 16  | 12  | 0  | 0  | 0  | 28
Total elected  | 20  | 14  | 0  | 0  | 0  | 34
Net gain/loss  | 8  | 8  |  |  |  | 8
Nationwide vote  | 24,347,369  | 23,126,219[a] | 155,032  | 104,338  | 878,047  | 48,611,005
| Share  | 50.09%  | 47.57%  | 0.32%  | 0.21%  | 1.81%  | 100%
Result  | 55  | 45  | 0  | 0  | 0  | 100

Source: Office of the Clerk[1]

## Gains, losses, and holds

[edit]

### Retirements

[edit]

Three Republicans and three Democrats retired instead of seeking re-election.

State  | Senator  | Replaced by

|
|

Arizona | Barry Goldwater | John McCain
Colorado | Gary Hart | Tim Wirth
Louisiana | Russell B. Long | John Breaux
Maryland | Charles Mathias | Barbara Mikulski
Missouri | Thomas Eagleton | Kit Bond
Nevada | Paul Laxalt | Harry Reid

### Defeats

[edit]

Seven Republicans sought re-election but lost in the general election, including one that simultaneously lost in a special election.

State  | Senator  | Replaced by

|
|

Alabama | Jeremiah Denton | Richard Shelby
Florida | Paula Hawkins | Bob Graham
Georgia | Mack Mattingly | Wyche Fowler
North Carolina | Jim Broyhill | Terry Sanford
North Dakota | Mark Andrews | Kent Conrad
South Dakota | James Abdnor | Tom Daschle
Washington | Slade Gorton | Brock Adams

### Post-election changes

[edit]

One Democrat died on March 6, 1987, and a Republican was appointed on March 11, 1987.

State  | Senator  | Replaced by

|
|

Nebraska
(Class 1)  | Edward Zorinsky | David Karnes

## Change in composition

[edit]

### Before the elections

[edit]

D1 | D2 | D3 | D4 | D5 | D6 | D7 | D8 | D9 | D10

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

D20 | D19 | D18 | D17 | D16 | D15 | D14 | D13 | D12 | D11
D21 | D22 | D23 | D24 | D25 | D26 | D27 | D28 | D29 | D30
D40
Hawaii
Ran | D39
Conn.
Ran | D38
Colo.
Retired | D37
Calif.
Ran | D36
Ark.
Ran | D35 | D34 | D33 | D32 | D31
D41
Ill.
Ran | D42
Ky.
Ran | D43
La.
Retired | D44
Mo.
Retired | D45
Ohio
Ran | D46
S.C.
Ran | D47
Vt.
Ran | R53
Wisc.
Ran | R52
Wash.
Ran | R51
Utah
Ran
Majority →
R41
Md.
Retired | R42
Nev.
Retired | R43
N.H.
Ran | R44
N.Y.
Ran | R45
N.C. (reg) &
N.C. (sp)
Ran | R46
N.D.
Ran | R47
Okla.
Ran | R48
Ore.
Ran | R49
Pa.
Ran | R50
S.D.
Ran
R40
Kan.
Ran | R39
Iowa
Ran | R38
Ind.
Ran | R37
Idaho
Ran | R36
Ga.
Ran | R35
Fla.
Ran | R34
Ariz.
Retired | R33
Alaska
Ran | R32
Ala.
Ran | R31
R21 | R22 | R23 | R24 | R25 | R26 | R27 | R28 | R29 | R30
R20 | R19 | R18 | R17 | R16 | R15 | R14 | R13 | R12 | R11
R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | R8 | R9 | R10

### After the elections

[edit]

D1 | D2 | D3 | D4 | D5 | D6 | D7 | D8 | D9 | D10

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

D20 | D19 | D18 | D17 | D16 | D15 | D14 | D13 | D12 | D11
D21 | D22 | D23 | D24 | D25 | D26 | D27 | D28 | D29 | D30
D40
Hawaii
Re-elected | D39
Conn.
Re-elected | D38
Colo.
Hold | D37
Calif.
Re-elected | D36
Ark.
Re-elected | D35 | D34 | D33 | D32 | D31
D41
Ill.
Re-elected | D42
Ky.
Re-elected | D43
La.
Hold | D44
Ohio
Re-elected | D45
S.C.
Re-elected | D46
Vt.
Re-elected | D47
Ala.
Gain | D48
Fla.
Gain | D49
Ga.
Gain | D50
Md.
Gain
Majority → | D51
Nev.
Gain
R41
Ore.
Re-elected | R42
Pa.
Re-elected | R43
Utah
Re-elected | R44
Wisc.
Re-elected | R45
Mo.
Gain | D55
Wash.
Gain | D54
S.D.
Gain | D53
N.D.
Gain | D52
N.C. (reg) &
N.C. (sp)
Gain[b]
R40
Okla.
Re-elected | R39
N.Y.
Re-elected | R38
N.H.
Re-elected | R37
Kan.
Re-elected | R36
Iowa
Re-elected | R35
Ind.
Re-elected | R34
Idaho
Re-elected | R33
Ariz.
Hold | R32
Alaska
Re-elected | R31
R21 | R22 | R23 | R24 | R25 | R26 | R27 | R28 | R29 | R30
R20 | R19 | R18 | R17 | R16 | R15 | R14 | R13 | R12 | R11
R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | R8 | R9 | R10

### Beginning of the first session

[edit]

D1 | D2 | D3 | D4 | D5 | D6 | D7 | D8 | D9 | D10

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

D20 | D19 | D18 | D17 | D16 | D15 | D14 | D13 | D12 | D11
D21 | D22 | D23 | D24 | D25 | D26 | D27 | D28 | D29 | D30
D40 | D39 | D38 | D37 | D36 | D35 | D34 | D33 | D32 | D31
D41 | D42 | D43 | D44 | D45 | D46 | D47 | D48 | D49 | D50
Majority → | D51
R41 | R42 | R43 | R44 | R45 | R46
Neb.
Gain | D54 | D53 | D52
R40 | R39 | R38 | R37 | R36 | R35 | R34 | R33 | R32 | R31
R21 | R22 | R23 | R24 | R25 | R26 | R27 | R28 | R29 | R30
R20 | R19 | R18 | R17 | R16 | R15 | R14 | R13 | R12 | R11
R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | R8 | R9 | R10
Key  |  | D# | Democratic

|

R# | Republican

## Race summary

[edit]

### Special election

[edit]

In this special election, the winner was seated during 1986.

State  | Incumbent  | Result  | Candidates

|
|
|

Senator  | Party  | Electoral history
North Carolina
(Class 3)  | Jim Broyhill | Republican  | 1986 (appointed) | Interim appointee lost election to finish term.
New senator elected November 8, 1986.
Democratic gain.
Winner also elected to the next term; see below.  |

* ▌Y Terry Sanford (Democratic) 50.9%
* ▌Jim Broyhill (Republican) 49.1%

### Elections leading to the next Congress

[edit]

In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 1987; ordered by state.

All of the elections involved the Class 3 seats.

State  | Incumbent  | Result  | Candidates

|
|
|

Senator  | Party  | Electoral history
Alabama | Jeremiah Denton | Republican  | 1980 | Incumbent lost re-election.
Democratic gain. |

* ▌Y Richard Shelby (Democratic) 50.3%
* ▌Jeremiah Denton (Republican) 49.7%

Alaska | Frank Murkowski | Republican  | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Frank Murkowski (Republican) 54.0%
* ▌Glenn Olds (Democratic) 44.1%
* ▌Chuck House (Libertarian) 1.7%

Arizona | Barry Goldwater | Republican  | 1952
1958
1964 (retired)
1968
1974
1980 | Incumbent retired.
Republican hold.  |

* ▌Y John McCain (Republican) 60.6%
* ▌Richard Kimball (Democratic) 39.4%

Arkansas | Dale Bumpers | Democratic  | 1974
1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Dale Bumpers (Democratic) 62.9%
* ▌Asa Hutchinson (Republican) 37.1%

California | Alan Cranston | Democratic  | 1968
1974
1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Alan Cranston (Democratic) 49.3%
* ▌Ed Zschau (Republican) 47.8%

Others

* ▌Breck McKinley (Libertarian) 1.5%
* ▌Edward B. Vallen (American Independent) 0.9%
* ▌Andrew R. Kangas (Peace and Freedom) 0.5%

Colorado | Gary Hart | Democratic  | 1974
1980 | Incumbent retired.
Democratic hold.  |

* ▌Y Tim Wirth (Democratic) 49.9%
* ▌Ken Kramer (Republican) 48.4%

Others

* ▌Michael Bush (Independent) 1.0%
* ▌Michael Chamberlain (Socialist Workers) 0.4%
* ▌Henry Olshaw (Unaffiliated American) 0.2%
* ▌Calvin Dodge (Prohibition) 0.1%

Connecticut | Chris Dodd | Democratic  | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Chris Dodd (Democratic) 64.8%
* ▌Roger W. Eddy (Republican) 34.8%
* ▌Edward McCallum (Independent) 0.4%

Florida | Paula Hawkins | Republican  | 1980 | Incumbent lost re-election.
Democratic gain. |

* ▌Y Bob Graham (Democratic) 54.7%
* ▌Paula Hawkins (Republican) 45.3%

Georgia | Mack Mattingly | Republican  | 1980 | Incumbent lost re-election.
Democratic gain. |

* ▌Y Wyche Fowler (Democratic) 50.9%
* ▌Mack Mattingly (Republican) 49.1%

Hawaii | Daniel Inouye | Democratic  | 1962
1968
1974
1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Daniel Inouye (Democratic) 73.6%
* ▌Frank Hutchinson (Republican) 26.4%

Idaho | Steve Symms | Republican  | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Steve Symms (Republican) 51.4%
* ▌John V. Evans (Democratic) 48.6%

Illinois | Alan J. Dixon | Democratic  | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Alan J. Dixon (Democratic) 65.4%
* ▌Judy Koehler (Republican) 34.1%

Indiana | Dan Quayle | Republican  | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Dan Quayle (Republican) 61.1%
* ▌Jill L. Long (Democratic) 38.9%

Iowa | Chuck Grassley | Republican  | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Chuck Grassley (Republican) 66.0%
* ▌John P. Roehrick (Democratic) 34.0%

Kansas | Bob Dole | Republican  | 1968
1974
1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Bob Dole (Republican) 70.1%
* ▌Guy MacDonald (Democratic) 29.9%

Kentucky | Wendell Ford | Democratic  | 1974
1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Wendell Ford (Democratic) 74.3%
* ▌Jackson M. Andrews (Republican) 25.7%

Louisiana | Russell B. Long | Democratic  | 1948 (special)
1950
1956
1962
1968
1974
1980 | Incumbent retired.
Democratic hold.  |

* ▌Y John Breaux (Democratic) 52.8%
* ▌Henson Moore (Republican) 47.2%

Maryland | Charles Mathias | Republican  | 1968
1974
1980 | Incumbent retired.
Democratic gain. |

* ▌Y Barbara Mikulski (Democratic) 60.8%
* ▌Linda Chavez (Republican) 39.2%

Missouri | Thomas Eagleton | Democratic  | 1968
1974
1980 | Incumbent retired.
Republican gain. |

* ▌Y Kit Bond (Republican) 52.6%
* ▌Harriett Woods (Democratic) 47.4%

Nevada | Paul Laxalt | Republican  | 1974
1980 | Incumbent retired.
Democratic gain. |

* ▌Y Harry Reid (Democratic) 50.0%
* ▌James David Santini (Republican) 44.5%
* ▌Kent Cromwell (Libertarian) 1.9%

New Hampshire | Warren Rudman | Republican  | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Warren Rudman (Republican) 62.9%
* ▌Endicott Peabody (Democratic) 32.4%
* ▌Gruce Valley (Independent) 4.7%

New York | Al D'Amato | Republican  | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Al D'Amato (Republican) 57.7%
* ▌Mark Green (Democratic) 40.9%

Others

* ▌John S. Dyson (Liberal) 1.4%
* ▌Fred Newman (New Alliance) 0.3%
* ▌Michael Shur (Socialist Workers) 0.2%

North Carolina | Jim Broyhill | Republican  | 1986 (appointed) | Interim appointee lost election.
Democratic gain.
Winner was also elected to finish the current term; see above.  |

* ▌Y Terry Sanford (Democratic) 51.8%
* ▌Jim Broyhill (Republican) 48.2%

North Dakota | Mark Andrews | Republican  | 1980 | Incumbent lost re-election.
Democratic-NPL gain. |

* ▌Y Kent Conrad (Democratic-NPL) 49.8%
* ▌Mark Andrews (Republican) 49.0%

Ohio | John Glenn | Democratic  | 1974
1974 (appointed)
1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y John Glenn (Democratic) 62.4%
* ▌Tom Kindness (Republican) 37.6%

Oklahoma | Don Nickles | Republican  | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Don Nickles (Republican) 54.5%
* ▌James R. Jones (Democratic) 45.5%

Oregon | Bob Packwood | Republican  | 1968
1974
1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Bob Packwood (Republican) 63.5%
* ▌Rick Bauman (Democratic) 36.5%

Pennsylvania | Arlen Specter | Republican  | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Arlen Specter (Republican) 56.9%
* ▌Robert W. Edgar (Democratic) 43.1%

South Carolina | Fritz Hollings | Democratic  | 1966 (special)
1968
1974
1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Fritz Hollings (Democratic) 63.9%
* ▌Henry McMaster (Republican) 36.1%

South Dakota | James Abdnor | Republican  | 1980 | Incumbent lost re-election.
Democratic gain. |

* ▌Y Tom Daschle (Democratic) 51.6%
* ▌James Abdnor (Republican) 48.4%

Utah | Jake Garn | Republican  | 1974
1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Jake Garn (Republican) 72.3%
* ▌Craig Oliver (Democratic) 26.6%

Others

* ▌Hugh A. Butler (Libertarian) 0.7%
* ▌Mary Zins (Independent) 0.4%

Vermont | Patrick Leahy | Democratic  | 1974
1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Patrick Leahy (Democratic) 63.7%
* ▌Richard A. Snelling (Republican) 34.7%

Washington | Slade Gorton | Republican  | 1980 | Incumbent lost re-election.
Democratic gain. |

* ▌Y Brock Adams (Democratic) 50.6%
* ▌Slade Gorton (Republican) 48.7%
* ▌Jill Fein (Socialist Workers) 0.7%

Wisconsin | Bob Kasten | Republican  | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected.  |

* ▌Y Bob Kasten (Republican) 51.8%
* ▌Ed Garvey (Democratic) 48.2%

## Closest races

[edit]

In sixteen races the margin of victory was under 10%.

State  | Party of winner  | Margin

|
|

Alabama | Democratic (flip)  | 0.56%
North Dakota | Democratic (flip)  | 0.73%
California | Democratic  | 1.42%
Colorado | Democratic  | 1.55%
North Carolina (special) | Democratic (flip)  | 1.76%
Georgia | Democratic (flip)  | 1.83% [c]
Washington | Democratic (flip)  | 1.99%
Idaho | Republican  | 3.11%
South Dakota | Democratic (flip)  | 3.21%
North Carolina (regular) | Democratic (flip)  | 3.54%
Wisconsin | Republican  | 3.54%
Missouri | Republican (flip)  | 5.28%
Nevada | Democratic (flip)  | 5.48%
Louisiana | Democratic  | 5.64%
Florida | Democratic (flip)  | 9.48%
Alaska | Republican  | 9.93%

## Alabama

[edit]

Alabama election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Richard Shelby | Jeremiah Denton |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 609,360 | 602,537
Percentage  | 50.3% | 49.7%

* * *

County results
Shelby:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Denton:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Jeremiah Denton
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Richard Shelby
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Alabama

See also: List of United States senators from Alabama

Incumbent Republican Jeremiah Denton ran for a second term but lost to Democrat Richard Shelby.

Shelby, a moderate-to-conservative Democrat avoided a primary runoff and won nomination in the Democratic Party primary over Jim Allen Jr., son of former senator James Allen.[2]

Democratic primary results  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Richard Shelby | 420,155  | 51.33%
| Democratic | Jim Allen Jr.  | 284,206  | 34.72%
| Democratic | Ted McLaughlin  | 70,784  | 8.65%
| Democratic | Margaret Stewart  | 26,723  | 3.27%
| Democratic | Steve Arnold  | 16,722  | 2.04%
Total votes | 818,590  | 100.00%

Incumbent Senator Jeremiah Denton, a retired Rear Admiral and decorated Vietnam War veteran who six years earlier became the first Republican elected to the Senate from Alabama since Reconstruction, won the Republican primary with little opposition from Richard Vickers.[3]

Republican primary results  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Jeremiah Denton | 29,805  | 88.55%
| Republican | Richard Vickers  | 3,854  | 11.45%
Total votes | 33,659  | 100.00%

Shelby won a very narrow victory over Denton (less than one percent), once again making Alabama's Senate delegation entirely Democratic.[4][5]

1986 United States Senate election in Alabama[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Democratic | Richard Shelby | 609,360  | 50.28%  |
| Republican | Jeremiah Denton (Incumbent)  | 602,537  | 49.72%  |
Majority | 6,823  | 0.56%  |
Turnout | 1,211,897  |  |
| Democratic gain from Republican | Swing |  |

## Alaska

[edit]

Alaska election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Frank Murkowski | Glenn Olds |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 97,764 | 79,727
Percentage  | 54.02% | 44.10%

* * *

Results by state house district
Murkowski:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Olds:      40–50%      50–60%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Frank Murkowski
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Frank Murkowski
Republican

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Alaska

See also: List of United States senators from Alaska

Incumbent Republican Frank Murkowski ran for a second term and was primarily opposed by Democrat and Alaska Pacific University President Glenn Olds and Libertarian Chuck House, field representative for Eastman Kodak Company. Following a highly competitive election in 1980, Murkowski faced a legitimate opponent in Olds, and the contest was fairly close throughout the campaign. However, in the end, Murkowski was able to defeat Olds 63%-25% in the open primary. He won 54%-44% against Olds in the runoff.[5]

Open primary results[6] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Frank Murkowski (inc.)  | 91,705  | 63.11%
| Democratic | Glenn Olds  | 36,995  | 25.46%
| Democratic | Bill Barnes  | 4,871  | 3.35%
| Libertarian | Chuck House  | 4,265  | 2.94%
| Democratic | Dave J. Carlson  | 4,211  | 2.90%
| Democratic | Michael J. Bruner  | 1,809  | 1.24%
| Democratic | Karl Francis  | 1,454  | 1.00%
Total votes | 145,310  | 100.00%
1986 United States Senate election in Alaska[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Republican | Frank Murkowski (Incumbent)  | 97,674  | 54.02%  | +0.34%
| Democratic | Glenn Olds | 79,727  | 44.10%  | −1.84%
| Libertarian | Chuck House  | 3,161  | 1.75%  |
| Write-ins  |  | 239  | 0.13%  |
Majority | 17,947  | 9.93%  | +2.17%
Turnout | 180,801  | 100.0  |
| Republican hold | Swing |  |

## Arizona

[edit]

Arizona election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | John McCain | Richard Kimball |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 521,850 | 340,965
Percentage  | 60.4% | 39.5%

* * *

County results

McCain:      50–60%      60-70%

Kimball:      50–60%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Barry Goldwater
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

John McCain
Republican

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Arizona

See also: List of United States senators from Arizona

Incumbent Republican Barry Goldwater decided to retire instead of seeking a sixth term. The open seat was won by Republican John McCain, a Congressman and former Navy Officer who beat Democratic State Legislator Richard Kimball. Both candidates were unopposed in their respective primaries.

Kimball's campaign was subject to negative press from the Arizona Republic and Phoenix Gazette. One Gazette columnist described him as displaying "terminal weirdness."[7] McCain ultimately won the election by a margin of 20%,[5] and he would go on to win six more terms to the U.S. Senate.[1]

General election results[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Republican | John McCain | 521,850  | 60.47%  | +11.02%
| Democratic | Richard Kimball | 340,965  | 39.51%  | −8.87%
| Write-ins  |  | 106  | 0.01%  |
Majority | 180,885  | 20.96%  | +19.89%
Turnout | 862,921  |  |
| Republican hold | Swing |  |

## Arkansas

[edit]

Arkansas election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Dale Bumpers | Asa Hutchinson |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 433,122 | 262,313
Percentage  | 62.3% | 37.7%

* * *

County results

Bumpers:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Hutchinson:      50–60%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Dale Bumpers
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Dale Bumpers
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Arkansas

See also: List of United States senators from Arkansas

Incumbent Democrat Dale Bumpers won re-election to a third term over Republican U.S. Attorney Asa Hutchinson. Both ran unopposed in their respective primaries.[5]

Arkansas Senate election 1986[8] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Dale Bumpers (Incumbent)  | 433,122  | 62.3%
| Republican | Asa Hutchinson  | 262,313  | 37.7%
| Independent | Ralph Forbes  | 52  | 0.1%
Majority  | 170,809  | 24.6%
Turnout | 695,487  |
| Democratic hold

## California

[edit]

California election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Alan Cranston | Ed Zschau |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 3,646,672 | 3,541,804
Percentage  | 49.3% | 47.9%

* * *

County results
Cranston:      40-50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Zschau:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Alan Cranston
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Alan Cranston
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in California

See also: List of United States senators from California

Incumbent Democratic Alan Cranston won re-nomination over nominal Democratic opposition. Congressman Ed Zschau narrowly defeated Bruce Herschensohn in the Republican primary to secure the nomination. Cranston narrowly won re-election to a fourth term over Zschau, 49%-48%.[5]

1986 United States Senate election, California[9] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Alan Cranston (Incumbent)  | 3,646,672  | 49.3%
| Republican | Ed Zschau  | 3,541,804  | 47.9%
| American Independent | Edward B Vallen  | 109,916  | 1.5%
| Libertarian | Breck McKinley  | 66,261  | 0.9%
| Peace and Freedom | Paul Kangas  | 33,869  | 0.5%
Majority  | 104,868  | 1.4%
Turnout | 7,398,522  |
| Democratic hold

## Colorado

[edit]

Colorado election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Tim Wirth | Ken Kramer |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 529,449 | 512,994
Percentage  | 49.9% | 48.4%

* * *

County results

Wirth:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

Kramer:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Gary Hart
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Tim Wirth
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Colorado

See also: List of United States senators from Colorado

Incumbent Democrat Gary Hart retired instead of seeking a third term. Democratic nominee Tim Wirth and Republican Ken Kramer ran unopposed for the seat. In an ultimately very close election, Wirth defeated Kramer by just under 2%. Wirth would retire and opt not to seek a second term.[5]

General election results[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Democratic | Tim Wirth | 529,449  | 49.91%  | −0.42%
| Republican | Ken Kramer | 512,994  | 48.36%  | −0.34%
| Independent | Michael Martin Bush  | 11,127  | 1.05%  |
| Socialist Workers | Michael R. Chamberlain  | 3,756  | 0.35%  |
| Independent American | Henry John Olshaw  | 1,868  | 0.18%  | −0.17%
| Prohibition | Calvin G. Dodge  | 1,571  | 0.15%  |
Majority | 16,455  | 1.55%  | −0.09%
Turnout | 1,060,765  |  |
| Democratic hold | Swing |  |

## Connecticut

[edit]

Connecticut election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Chris Dodd | Roger Eddy  |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 632,695 | 340,438
Percentage  | 64.8% | 34.9%

* * *

County results

Municipality results

Dodd:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Eddy:      50–60%      60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Chris Dodd
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Chris Dodd
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Connecticut

See also: List of United States senators from Connecticut

Incumbent Democrat Chris Dodd received the Democratic nomination with no opposition. Republican Roger Eddy of the Republican National Committee won the Republican nomination. Dodd handily defeated Eddy, 65%-35%.[10][5]

1986 Connecticut United States Senate election[11] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Chris Dodd (Incumbent)  | 632,695  | 64.8%
| Republican | Roger Eddy  | 340,438  | 34.9%
| Independent | Edward J. McCallum Jr.  | 3,800  | 0.4%
Majority  | 292,257  | 29.9%
Turnout | 976,933  |
| Democratic hold

## Florida

[edit]

Florida election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Bob Graham | Paula Hawkins |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 1,877,543 | 1,552,376
Percentage  | 54.7% | 45.2%

* * *

County results
Graham:      50–60%      60–70%
Hawkins:      50–60%      60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Paula Hawkins
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Bob Graham
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Florida

See also: List of United States senators from Florida

Incumbent Republican Paula Hawkins won renomination with nominal opposition, but so did her Democratic opponent, popular Governor of Florida Bob Graham. Graham defeated Hawkins by nearly 9% on election day.[1][5]

Democratic primary results[12] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Bob Graham  | 850,560  | 85.04%
| Democratic | Bob Kunst | 149,657  | 14.96%
Total votes | 1,000,217  | 100.00%
Republican primary results[12] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Paula Hawkins (Incumbent)  | 491,767  | 88.73%
| Republican | Jon Larsen Shudlick  | 62,443  | 11.27%
Total votes | 554,210  | 100.00%
General election results[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Democratic | Bob Graham  | 1,877,543  | 54.74%  | +6.40%
| Republican | Paula Hawkins (Incumbent)  | 1,552,376  | 45.26%  | −6.40%
| Write-ins  |  | 77  | 0.00%  |
Majority | 325,167  | 9.48%  | +6.16%
Turnout | 3,429,996  |  |
| Democratic gain from Republican | Swing |  |

## Georgia

[edit]

Georgia election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Wyche Fowler | Mack Mattingly |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 623,707 | 601,241
Percentage  | 50.92% | 49.08%

* * *

County results
Fowler:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Mattingly:      50–60%      60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Mack Mattingly
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Wyche Fowler
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Georgia

See also: List of United States senators from Georgia

Incumbent Republican Mack Mattingly decided to run for re-election and lost a close race to Democratic U.S. Congressman Wyche Fowler, who had defeated former White House Chief of Staff Hamilton Jordan in the Democratic primary.[1][5] Fowler would lose re-election in 1992.

1986 United States Senate election, Georgia[13] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Democratic | Wyche Fowler | 623,707  | 50.91%  | +1.78%
| Republican | Mack Mattingly (Incumbent)  | 601,241  | 49.08%  | −1.79%
|  | Write-In Votes | 60  | 0.00%  | N/A
Majority | 22,466  | 1.83%  | +.09%
Turnout | 1,225,008  |  |
| Democratic gain from Republican | Swing | 1.78%  |

## Hawaii

[edit]

Hawaii election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Daniel Inouye | Frank Hutchinson  |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 241,887 | 86,910
Percentage  | 73.6% | 26.4%

* * *

County results
Inouye:      70–80%      80–90%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Daniel Inouye
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Daniel Inouye
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Hawaii

See also: List of United States senators from Hawaii

Incumbent Democratic Daniel Inouye won re-election to a fifth term, 74%-26%, over Republican Frank Hutchinson, who had defeated Marvin Franklin in the Republican primary.[5]

1986 United States Senate election in Hawaii[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Democratic | Daniel Inouye (Incumbent)  | 241,887  | 73.57%  |
| Republican | Frank Hutchinson  | 86,910  | 26.43%  |
Majority | 154,977  | 47.14%  |
Turnout | 328,797  |  |
| Democratic hold | Swing |  |

## Idaho

[edit]

Idaho election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Steve Symms | John V. Evans |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 196,958 | 185,066
Percentage  | 51.6% | 48.4%

* * *

County results
Symms:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Evans:      50–60%      60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Steve Symms
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Steve Symms
Republican

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Idaho

See also: List of United States senators from Idaho

Incumbent Republican Steve Symms won re-election to a second term over Democratic Governor John V. Evans. Evans was a popular governor, and the race was ultimately close, but Symms prevailed by just over 2%.[5]

General election results[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Republican | Steve Symms (Incumbent) | 196,958  | 51.56%  | +1.81%
| Democratic | John V. Evans | 185,066  | 48.44%  | −0.33%
Majority | 11,892  | 3.11%  | +2.14%
Turnout | 382,024  |  |
| Republican hold | Swing |  |

## Illinois

[edit]

Illinois election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Alan Dixon | Judy Koehler |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 2,033,783 | 1,053,734
Percentage  | 65.1% | 33.7%

* * *

County results
Dixon:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Koehler:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Alan J. Dixon
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Alan J. Dixon
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Illinois

See also: List of United States senators from Illinois

The incumbent Democratic Alan J. Dixon won re-election to a second term over Republican State Representative Judy Koehler, who won the Republican nomination over George Ranney.[5] This was also the last time until 2022 that a winning Senate Candidate was elected to this seat twice.

Dixon easily won the senate race. Koehler fared poorly throughout most parts of the state, only winning 10 of the states 102 counties.

1986 Illinois United States Senate election[14] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Democratic | Alan J. Dixon (Incumbent)  | 2,033,783  | 65.1%  | +9.1%
| Republican | Judy Koehler  | 1,053,734  | 33.7%  | −8.8%
| Independent | Einar V. Dyhrkopp  | 15,804  | 0.5%  |
| Libertarian | Don Parrish | 13,891  | 0.5%  |
| Socialist Workers | Omari Musa  | 5,671  | 0.2%  |
Majority | 980,049  | 31.4%  |
Turnout | 3,122,883  |  |
| Democratic hold | Swing |  |

## Indiana

[edit]

Indiana election

* * *

← 1980

1990 (special) →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Dan Quayle | Jill Long Thompson |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 936,143 | 595,192
Percentage  | 60.6% | 38.5%

* * *

County results

Quayle:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%

Long:      50–60%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Dan Quayle
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Dan Quayle
Republican

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Indiana

See also: List of United States senators from Indiana

Incumbent Republican Dan Quayle won re-election to a second term over Democratic Valparaiso City Councilwoman Jill L. Long.[15][5]

General election results  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Dan Quayle (Incumbent)  | 936,143  | 60.57%
| Democratic | Jill L. Long | 595,192  | 38.51%
| Libertarian | Bradford Warren  | 8,314  | 0.54%
| American | Rockland Snyder  | 5,914  | 0.38%
Majority  | 340,951  | 22.06%
Turnout | 1,545,563  |
| Republican hold

## Iowa

[edit]

Iowa election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Chuck Grassley | John P. Roehrick  |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 588,880 | 299,406
Percentage  | 66.04% | 33.57%

* * *

County results
Grassley:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80–90%
Roehrick:      40–50%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Chuck Grassley
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Chuck Grassley
Republican

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Iowa

See also: List of United States senators from Iowa

Incumbent Republican Chuck Grassley ran for re-election to a second term, which he won easily over Democratic nominee John P. Roehrick, an attorney.[5]

Democratic primary results[16] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | John P. Roehrick  | 88,347  | 83.83%
| Democratic | Juan Cortez  | 16,987  | 16.12%
| Democratic | Write-ins  | 60  | 0.06%
Total votes | 105,394  | 100.00%
Republican primary results[16] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Chuck Grassley (Incumbent)  | 108,370  | 99.96%
| Republican | Write-ins  | 38  | 0.04%
Total votes | 108,408  | 100.00%
1986 United States Senate election in Iowa[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Republican | Chuck Grassley (Incumbent) | 588,880  | 66.04%  | +12.55%
| Democratic | John P. Roehrick  | 299,406  | 33.57%  | −11.97%
| Independent | John Masters  | 3,370  | 0.38%  |
| Write-ins  |  | 106  | 0.01%  |
Majority | 289,474  | 32.46%  | +24.51%
Turnout | 891,762  |  |
| Republican hold | Swing |  |

## Kansas

[edit]

Kansas election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Bob Dole | Guy MacDonald  |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 576,902 | 246,664
Percentage  | 70.05% | 29.95%

* * *

County Results
Dole:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Bob Dole
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Bob Dole
Republican

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Kansas

See also: List of United States senators from Kansas

Incumbent Republican Bob Dole ran for re-election to a fourth term, which he won easily over Democratic nominee Guy MacDonald, a school teacher, who had narrowly prevailed in a crowded field of Democratic candidates.[5]

1986 United States Senate election in Kansas[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Republican | Bob Dole (Incumbent)  | 576,902  | 70.05%  |
| Democratic | Guy MacDonald  | 246,664  | 29.95%  |
Majority | 330,238  | 40.10%  |
Turnout | 823,566  |  |
| Republican hold | Swing |  |

## Kentucky

[edit]

Kentucky election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Wendell Ford | Jackson Andrews  |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 503,775 | 173,330
Percentage  | 74.40% | 25.60%

* * *

Country results
Ford:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Wendell Ford
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Wendell Ford
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Kentucky

See also: List of United States senators from Kentucky

Democrat Wendell Ford won re-election, He defeated Republican Jackson Andrews, who emerged from a competitive primary.[5]

General election results[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Wendell Ford (incumbent)  | 503,775  | 74.40%
| Republican | Jackson Andrews  | 173,330  | 25.60%
| Democratic hold

## Louisiana

[edit]

Louisiana election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | John Breaux | Henson Moore |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 723,586 | 646,311
Percentage  | 52.82% | 47.18%

* * *

Parish Results
Breaux:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Moore:      50–60%      60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Russell B. Long
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

John Breaux
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Louisiana

See also: List of United States senators from Louisiana

Incumbent Democratic Russell B. Long decided to retire instead of seeking an eighth term. The open seat was won by Democrat U.S. Representative John Breaux, who beat Republican U.S. Representative Henson Moore by just over 5% after the two finished second and first in the open primary, respectively.[5]

1986 United States Senate election in Louisiana[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Democratic | John Breaux | 723,586  | 52.82%  |
| Republican | W. Henson Moore  | 646,311  | 47.18%  |
Majority | 77,275  | 5.64%  |
Turnout | 1,369,897  |  |
| Democratic hold | Swing |  |

## Maryland

[edit]

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Maryland

See also: List of United States senators from Maryland

Maryland election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Barbara Mikulski | Linda Chavez |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 675,225 | 437,411
Percentage  | 60.7% | 39.3%

* * *

County results
Mikulski:      50–60%      60–70%      80–90%
Chavez:      50–60%      60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Charles Mathias
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Barbara Mikulski
Democratic

|

Incumbent Republican Charles Mathias decided to retire, instead of seeking a fourth term. At the time of this announcement, it was expected that then-Governor Harry Hughes would run for the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Mathias. However, Hughes became caught up in the aftermath of the Maryland savings and loan crisis. He lost popularity with voters, opening the door for Mikulski's bid for the Senate. Congresswoman Barbara Mikulski received the Democratic nomination over fellow Congressman Michael D. Barnes and governor Harry Hughes, the last of whom finished third. Mikulski had previously run for the seat in 1974.

Chavez won the primary handily, defeating several Republican challengers. Later, she made comments that some Mikulski supporters interpreted as an attempt to draw attention to the issue of Mikulski's sexual orientation. In an article quoting Chavez's claim that Mikulski was a "San Francisco-style, George McGovern, liberal Democrat", The Washington Post reported that Chavez was directly implying that the never-married Mikulski was a lesbian.[citation needed] Chavez was accused of making Mikulski's sexual orientation a central issue of the political campaign. In defending her use of the phrase, Chavez stated the line "San Francisco Democrats" was a reference to Jeane Kirkpatrick's 1984 Republican National Convention "Blame America First" speech, in which Kirkpatrick coined the phrase "San Francisco Liberal."[citation needed]. The phrase "San Francisco liberal" was common at the time.

Mikulski eventually won the race with 61 percent of the vote.[5] She was the first female Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate in her own right (not appointed or filling a seat of a deceased husband). No Republican since Mathias has represented Maryland in the U.S. Senate.

Democratic primary results[17] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Barbara A. Mikulski | 307,876  | 49.50%
| Democratic | Michael D. Barnes | 195,086  | 31.37%
| Democratic | Harry Hughes | 88,908  | 14.30%
| Democratic | Debra Hanania Freeman  | 9,350  | 1.50%
| Democratic | Edward M. Olszewski  | 7,877  | 1.27%
| Democratic | A. Robert Kaufman | 6,505  | 1.05%
| Democratic | Boyd E. Sweatt  | 3,580  | 0.58%
| Democratic | Leonard E. Trout Jr.  | 2,742  | 0.44%
Total votes | 621,924  | 100.00%
Republican primary results[17] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Linda Chavez | 100,888  | 73.07%
| Republican | Michael Schaefer  | 16,902  | 12.24%
| Republican | George Haley  | 5,808  | 4.21%
| Republican | Melvin Perkins  | 2,785  | 2.02%
| Republican | Nicholas T. Nonnenmacher  | 2,751  | 1.99%
| Republican | Richard Sullivan  | 2,328  | 1.69%
| Republican | Howard D. Greyber  | 1,678  | 1.22%
| Republican | Monroe Cornish  | 1,497  | 1.08%
| Republican | Herbert Stone Rosenberg  | 1,337  | 0.97%
| Republican | Horace Stuart Rich  | 1,199  | 0.87%
| Republican | Abraham H. Kalish  | 901  | 0.65%
Total votes | 138,074  | 100.00%
1986 United States Senate election in Maryland[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Democratic | Barbara A. Mikulski  | 675,225  | 60.69%  | +26.85%
| Republican | Linda Chavez  | 437,411  | 39.31%  | −26.85%
Majority | 237,814  | 21.37%  | −10.96%
Total votes  | 1,017,151  | 100.00%  |
| Democratic gain from Republican | Swing |  |

## Missouri

[edit]

Missouri election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Kit Bond | Harriett Woods |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 777,612 | 699,624
Percentage  | 52.6% | 47.4%

* * *

County results

Bond:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%

Woods:      50–60%      60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Thomas Eagleton
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Kit Bond
Republican

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Missouri

See also: List of United States senators from Missouri

Incumbent Democrat Tom Eagleton decided to retire instead of seeking a fourth term. Republican Governor Kit Bond won the open seat, beating Democratic Lieutenant Governor Harriett Woods.[5]

General election results  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Kit Bond  | 777,612  | 52.6%
| Democratic | Harriett Woods  | 699,624  | 47.4%
Majority  | 77,988  | 5.2%
Turnout | 1,477,236  |
| Republican gain from Democratic

## Nevada

[edit]

Nevada election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Harry Reid | Jim Santini |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 130,955 | 116,606
Percentage  | 50.0% | 44.5%

* * *

County results
Reid:      40–50%      60–70%
Santini:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Paul Laxalt
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Harry Reid
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Nevada

See also: List of United States senators from Nevada

Incumbent Republican Paul Laxalt decided to retire instead of seeking a third term. U.S. Representative Democratic nominee Harry Reid won the open seat over Republican former U.S. Representative James David Santini.[1][5] Reid had previously run for the seat in 1974.

General election results[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Democratic | Harry Reid | 130,955  | 50.00%  | +12.61%
| Republican | Jim Santini | 116,606  | 44.52%  | −14.01%
| None of These Candidates | 9,472  | 3.62%  | +2.33%
| Libertarian | Kent Cromwell  | 4,899  | 1.87%  | −0.94%
Majority | 14,349  | 5.48%  | −15.66%
Turnout | 261,932  |  |
| Democratic gain from Republican | Swing |  |

## New Hampshire

[edit]

New Hampshire election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Warren Rudman | Endicott Peabody |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 154,090 | 79,222
Percentage  | 63.0% | 32.4%

* * *

County results

Municipality results

Rudman:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Peabody:      40–50%      50–60%      >90%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Warren Rudman
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Warren Rudman
Republican

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in New Hampshire

See also: List of United States senators from New Hampshire

Incumbent Republican Warren Rudman won re-election to a second term, beating the Democratic former Governor of Massachusetts Endicott Peabody.[5]

General election results[18] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Warren Rudman (Incumbent)  | 154,090  | 63.0%
| Democratic | Endicott Peabody  | 79,222  | 32.4%
| Independent | Bruce Valley  | 11,423  | 4.7%
Majority  | 74,868  | 30.6%
Turnout | 244,735  |
| Republican hold

## New York

[edit]

New York election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Al D'Amato | Mark Green |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 2,378,197 | 1,723,216
Percentage  | 56.9% | 41.2%

* * *

County results

D'Amato:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Green:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Al D'Amato
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Al D'Amato
Republican

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in New York

See also: List of United States senators from New Hampshire

Incumbent Republican Al D'Amato won re-election to a second term over Democrat Mark Green, the Chief Speechwriter for U.S. Senator Gary Hart and former congressional candidate.[5] Green had won a contested primary over the more moderate John S. Dyson. D'Amato won most counties in the state, losing just 5 counties. This was D'Amato's largest margin of victory during his Senate career.

1986 New York U.S. Senate general election[19][1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Al D'Amato (Incumbent)  | 2,030,260  |
| Conservative | Al D'Amato  | 212,101  |
| Right to Life | Al D'Amato  | 135,386  |
| total | Al D'Amato | 2,378,197 | 56.9%
| Democratic | Mark Green  | 1,723,216  | 41.2%
| Liberal | John S. Dyson | 60,099  | 1.4%
| New Alliance | Fred Newman  | 10,559  | 0.3%
| Socialist Workers | Michael Shur  | 7,376  | 0.2%
| Others |  | 305,412  |
Majority  | 654,981  | 15.7%
Turnout | 4,179,447  |
| Republican hold

## North Carolina

[edit]

Main article: 1986 United States Senate elections in North Carolina

See also: List of United States senators from North Carolina

There were two elections in North Carolina.

Incumbent Republican Jim Broyhill, who had been appointed in June 1986 to serve out the rest of John Porter East's term, faced off against the popular Democratic former Governor Terry Sanford. There were two separate elections held on the same day: a special election for what little remained of the 99th United States Congress (November 1986 – January 1987) and a regular election for a new six-year term (beginning in January 1987).[20] Sanford won both elections.

The primary elections would nominate candidates to the special and the regular election.

### North Carolina (regular)

[edit]

North Carolina election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Terry Sanford | Jim Broyhill |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 823,662 | 767,668
Percentage  | 51.76% | 48.24%

* * *

County results
Sanford:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Broyhill:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Jim Broyhill
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Terry Sanford
Democratic

|

Terry Sanford, then the outgoing president of Duke University, first said in September 1985 that he was planning to run for the U.S. Senate the next year but quickly withdrew, as it appeared that the party wanted a "fresh" face, most likely in the person of UNC System President William Friday.[21] Then, Friday declined to run, as did other well-known politicians like former Gov. Jim Hunt.[22] Former North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lauch Faircloth then made it known that he would run, but he was considered too conservative by many party leaders, who encouraged Sanford to enter the race in order to defeat Faircloth.[21] Sanford agreed to run, which led Faircloth and another candidate, Judge Marvin K. Blount Jr., to withdraw before filing their candidacies. Six years later, Faircloth did run for the Senate against Sanford, but this time as a Republican.

Sen. East declined to run for a second term, citing his health. Longtime U.S. Representative Jim Broyhill entered the race with much of the establishment support, but David Funderburk had the backing of the organization of Senator Jesse Helms.[22] Funderburk charged Broyhill with being insufficiently conservative, but in the end, Broyhill won the nomination handily in the May primary. The next month, Sen. East committed suicide, and Gov. James G. Martin appointed Broyhill to his seat.

Sanford narrowly defeated incumbent Broyhill on both election ballots, though he received a slightly smaller margin of victory to finish the remainder of East's term due to a lower turnout.[5]

1986 North Carolina U.S. Senate Democratic primary election[23] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Terry Sanford | 409,394  | 60.25%
| Democratic | John Ingram | 111,557  | 16.42%
| Democratic | Fountain Odom | 49,689  | 7.31%
| Democratic | William Belk  | 33,821  | 4.98%
| Democratic | Theodore Kinney  | 27,228  | 4.01%
| Democratic | Betty Wallace  | 17,001  | 2.50%
| Democratic | Katherine Harper  | 12,998  | 1.91%
| Democratic | Walt Atkins  | 8,306  | 1.22%
| Democratic | Others  | 9,493  | 1.40%
Turnout | 679,487  |
1986 North Carolina U.S. Senate Republican primary election[24] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Jim Broyhill (incumbent)  | 139,570  | 66.52%
| Republican | David Funderburk | 63,593  | 30.31%
| Republican | Frazier Glenn Miller Jr. | 6,662  | 3.18%
Turnout | 148,574  |
1986 North Carolina U.S. Senate election[25] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Democratic | Terry Sanford | 823,662  | 51.76%  | +2.38%
| Republican | Jim Broyhill (Incumbent)  | 767,668  | 48.24%  | −1.72%
Majority | 55,994  | 3.54%  |
Turnout | 1,591,330  |  |
| Democratic gain from Republican | Swing |  |

### North Carolina (special)

[edit]

North Carolina special election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Terry Sanford | Jim Broyhill |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 780,967 | 753,881
Percentage  | 50.88% | 49.12%

* * *

County results
Sanford:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Broyhill:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Jim Broyhill
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Terry Sanford
Democratic

|

This was a special election for what little remained of the 99th United States Congress (November 1986 – January 1987), being held contemporaneously with a regular election for a new six-year term (beginning in January 1987).[20][5]

1986 North Carolina U.S. Senate election – Special election[26] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Terry Sanford | 780,967  | 50.88%
| Republican | Jim Broyhill (Incumbent)  | 753,881  | 49.12%
Majority  | 27,086  | 1.76%
Turnout | 1,534,875  |
| Democratic gain from Republican

## North Dakota

[edit]

North Dakota election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Kent Conrad | Mark Andrews |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 143,932 | 141,812
Percentage  | 49.8% | 49.1%

* * *

County results
Conrad:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%
Andrews:      40–50%      50–60%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Mark Andrews
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Kent Conrad
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in North Dakota

See also: List of United States senators from North Dakota

Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Mark Andrews lost re-election to a second term to Dem-NPL nominee Kent Conrad, State Tax Commissioner. Andrews lost re-election by just over 2,000[1][5] votes after a rigorous campaign involving personal attacks.[27]

General election results  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Kent Conrad | 143,932  | 49.80%
| Republican | Mark Andrews (Incumbent)  | 141,812  | 49.07%
| Independent | Anna B. Bourgois | 3,269  | 1.13%
Majority  |  |
Turnout | 289,013  |
| Democratic gain from Republican

## Ohio

[edit]

Ohio election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | John Glenn | Tom Kindness |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 1,949,208 | 1,171,893
Percentage  | 62.5% | 37.6%

* * *

County results
Glenn:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Kindness:      50–60%      60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

John Glenn
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

John Glenn
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Ohio

See also: List of United States senators from Ohio

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator John Glenn won re-election to a third term over Republican U.S. Congressman Tom Kindness.[5]

1986 OhioUnited States Senate election[28] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | John Glenn (Incumbent)  | 1,949,208  | 62.5%
| Republican | Tom Kindness  | 1,171,893  | 37.6%
| Independent | Kathleen M. Button  | 59  | 0.0%
| Independent | William M. Harris  | 29  | 0.0%
Majority  | 777,315  | 24.1%
Turnout | 3,121,189  |
| Democratic hold

## Oklahoma

[edit]

Oklahoma election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Don Nickles | James R. Jones |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 493,436 | 400,230
Percentage  | 55.2% | 44.8%

* * *

County results

Nickles:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%

Jones:      50–60%      60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Don Nickles
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Don Nickles
Republican

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Oklahoma

See also: List of United States senators from Oklahoma

Incumbent Republican Don Nickles won re-election to his second term, over Democratic U.S. Congressman James R. Jones, who defeated James Gentry in the primary.[5]

OK U.S. Senate election, 1986 Senate election[29] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Don Nickles (Incumbent)  | 493,436  | 55.2%
| Democratic | James R. Jones  | 400,230  | 44.8%
Majority  | 93,206  | 10.4%
Turnout | 893,666  |
| Republican hold

## Oregon

[edit]

Oregon election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Bob Packwood | Rick Bauman |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 656,317 | 375,735
Percentage  | 63.5% | 36.5%

* * *

County results

Packwood:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%

Bauman:      50–60%      70–80%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Bob Packwood
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Bob Packwood
Republican

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Oregon

See also: List of United States senators from Oregon

Incumbent Bob Packwood ran for re-election, though he faced a significant primary challenge from Joe Lutz.[30] U.S. Congressman Jim Weaver received the Democratic nomination. A populist Democratic congressman from Eugene, Oregon, he was a darling of the environmentalists. Weaver supported the Oregon Wilderness Act of 1984. Packwood was confident despite the popular opponent, because had more money and a better campaign organization.[31] After winning the party nomination, Weaver was the subject of a House Ethics Committee probe into his campaign finances, and withdrew his candidacy. Rick Bauman was selected to replace Weaver on the ballot, and lost handily to Packwood.[5]

Democratic primary for the United States Senate from Oregon, 1986[32] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Jim Weaver | 183,334  | 61.56%
| Democratic | Rod Monroe | 44,553  | 14.96%
| Democratic | Rick Bauman | 41,939  | 14.08%
| Democratic | Steve Anderson  | 26,130  | 8.77%
| Democratic | miscellaneous  | 1,868  | 0.63%
Total votes | 297,824  | 100.00%
Republican primary for the United States Senate from Oregon, 1986[33] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Bob Packwood (incumbent)  | 171,985  | 57.62%
| Republican | Joe Lutz  | 126,315  | 42.32%
| Republican | miscellaneous  | 166  | 0.06%
Total votes | 298,466  | 100.00%
1986 United States Senate election in Oregon[34] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Bob Packwood (Incumbent)  | 656,317  | 62.95%
| Democratic | Rick Bauman | 375,735  | 36.04%
| Independent  | Write-in | 10,503  | 1.01%
Majority  | 280,582  | 26.91%
Total votes | 1,042,555  | 100.00%
| Republican hold

## Pennsylvania

[edit]

Pennsylvania election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Arlen Specter | Bob Edgar |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 1,906,537 | 1,448,219
Percentage  | 56.4% | 42.9%

* * *

County results

Specter:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Edgar:      40–50%      50–60%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Arlen Specter
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Arlen Specter
Republican

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania

See also: List of United States senators from Pennsylvania

Incumbent Republican Arlen Specter, who had been elected in 1980, ran for re-election and faced Democrat Robert W. Edgar in the general election.

Specter was viewed somewhat tepidly by the Pennsylvania electorate entering the race, although both men shared similar moderate profiles. Additionally, economic woes had dragged down the popularity of Republican candidates in the industrial states. Don Bailey, the state's incumbent Auditor General, who projected a strong blue collar image and had moderate positions that were often relatively close to Specter's, and Edgar, a Methodist minister and sitting Congressman, who had more liberal viewpoints and was with the Vietnam War-era peace movement and anti-corruption movement following the Watergate scandals, ran for the Democratic nomination.[35] However, issues played a very minor role in the primary, which instead showcased the state's geographical divide, with Delaware County-based Edgar narrowly defeating Westmoreland County-based Bailey.[36]

Specter defeated Edgar in the general election by nearly 13% of the vote.[36][5]

General election results[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Arlen Specter (Incumbent)  | 1,906,537  | 56.4%
| Democratic | Robert W. Edgar  | 1,448,219  | 42.9%
| Independent | Lance S. Haver  | 23,470  | 0.7%
Majority  | 458,318  | 13.5%
Turnout | 3,378,226  |
| Republican hold

## South Carolina

[edit]

South Carolina election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Ernest Hollings | Henry McMaster |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 463,354 | 261,394
Percentage  | 63.10% | 35.60%

* * *

County results
Hollings:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
McMaster:      50–60%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Ernest Hollings
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Ernest Hollings
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in South Carolina

See also: List of United States senators from South Carolina

Popular incumbent Democratic Senator Fritz Hollings easily defeated Republican U.S. Attorney and future Governor Henry McMaster, who defeated Henry Jordan for the Republican nomination, to win his fifth (his fourth full) term.[5]

South Carolina Republican primary  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Republican | Henry McMaster | 27,695  | 53.4%
| Republican | Henry Jordan  | 24,164  | 46.6%

The race was not seriously contested and was not a target by the Republicans. With little financial assistance, McMaster was unable to mount a credible challenge to Hollings's re-election in what became a difficult year for Republicans.

South Carolina election  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Democratic | Fritz Hollings (Incumbent)  | 465,511  | 63.1%  | −7.3%
| Republican | Henry McMaster | 262,976  | 35.6%  | +6.0%
| Libertarian | Steven B. Vandervelde  | 4,788  | 0.7%  | +0.7%
| American | Ray Hillyard  | 4,588  | 0.6%  | +0.6%
| No party | Write-Ins | 199  | 0.0%  | 0.0%
Majority | 202,535  | 27.5%  | −13.3%
Turnout | 738,062  | 56.6%  | −13.9%
| Democratic hold | Swing |  |

## South Dakota

[edit]

South Dakota election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Tom Daschle | James Abdnor |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 152,657 | 143,173
Percentage  | 51.6% | 48.4%

* * *

County results
Daschle:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Abdnor:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

James Abdnor
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Tom Daschle
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in South Dakota

See also: List of United States senators from South Dakota

Incumbent Republican James Abdnor ran for re-election to a second term, but was defeated by Democratic Congressman Tom Daschle.[37][5]

Daschle was uncontested for the Democratic nomination and therefore was able to focus on the general election early, while Abdnor had to fight a challenge from an incumbent governor, Bill Janklow.

Republican primary results[38] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | James Abdnor (Incumbent)  | 63,414  | 54.51%
| Republican | Bill Janklow | 52,924  | 45.49%
Total votes | 116,338  | 100.00%
General election results[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Democratic | Tom Daschle | 152,657  | 51.60%  | +12.21%
| Republican | James Abdnor (Incumbent)  | 143,173  | 48.40%  | −9.80%
Majority | 9,484  | 3.21%  | −15.60%
Turnout | 295,830  |  |
| Democratic gain from Republican | Swing |  |

## Utah

[edit]

Utah election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Jake Garn | Craig S. Oliver  |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 314,608 | 115,523
Percentage  | 72.31% | 26.55%

* * *

County results

Garn:      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%

Oliver:      50–60%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Jake Garn
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Jake Garn
Republican

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Utah

See also: List of United States senators from Utah

Republican Jake Garn, originally elected in 1974, ran for re-election to a third term. He faced nominal opposition from Democrat Craig S. Oliver in the general election, defeating him 72%-27%.[5]

1986 United States Senate election in Utah[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Republican | Jake Garn (Incumbent)  | 314,608  | 72.31%  |
| Democratic | Craig S. Oliver (D)  | 115,523  | 26.55%  |
| Libertarian | Hugh A. Butler (L)  | 3,023  | 0.69%  |
| Socialist Workers | Mary Zins  | 1,863  | 0.43%  |
| None  | Write-Ins  | 94  | 0.02%  |
Majority | 199,085  | 45.76%  |
Turnout | 435,111  |  |
| Republican hold | Swing |  |

## Vermont

[edit]

Vermont election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Patrick Leahy | Richard A. Snelling |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 124,123 | 67,798
Percentage  | 63.2% | 34.5%

* * *

County results

Municipality results

Leahy:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%
Snelling:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Patrick Leahy
Democratic

| Elected U.S. Senator

Patrick Leahy
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Vermont

See also: List of United States senators from Vermont

Incumbent Democrat Patrick Leahy won re-election to a third term over Republican former Governor of Vermont Richard A. Snelling and Liberty Unionist sociologist and perennial candidate Jerry Levy. The race was initially expected to be competitive, with Ronald Reagan encouraging Snelling to run.[39]

Both Leahy and Snelling were well-respected and highly popular in Vermont, and the general feeling was that they would both make good senators. However, Snelling was felt to be at a disadvantage for several reasons, including the fact that his main campaign plank was deficit reduction, which The Caledonian-Record noted Leahy was already a well-known advocate for, and the fact that Leahy had acquired a reputation as one of the Senate's most knowledgeable figures on the issue of nuclear proliferation, an issue which the Brattleboro Reformer noted that Snelling had no experience with.[40]

Nonetheless, Leahy defeated Snelling in a 63%-35% landslide.[5] Leahy would face one more tough re-election challenge in 1992 against Republican Jim Douglas, handily winning each term thereafter.

Democratic primary results[41] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Patrick Leahy (inc.)  | 21,255  | 97.63%
| Democratic | Write-ins  | 516  | 2.37%
Total votes | 21,771  | 100.00%
Liberty Union primary results[41] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Liberty Union | Jerry Levy  | 147  | 93.04%
| Liberty Union | Write-ins  | 11  | 6.96%
Total votes | 158  | 100.00%
Republican primary results[41] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Richard A. Snelling  | 21,477  | 75.11%
| Republican | Anthony N. Doria | 6,493  | 22.71%
| Republican | Write-ins  | 625  | 2.19%
Total votes | 28,595  | 100.00%
General election results[1] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %  | ±%

|
|
|
|

| Democratic | Patrick Leahy (Incumbent)  | 124,123  | 63.16%  | +13.34%
| Republican | Richard A. Snelling | 67,798  | 34.50%  | −14.00%
| Conservative Party (US)  | Anthony N. Doria  | 2,963  | 1.51%  |
| Liberty Union | Jerry Levy  | 1,583  | 0.81%  |
| Write-ins  |  | 65  | 0.02%  |
Majority | 56,325  | 28.66%  | +27.34%
Turnout | 196,532  |  |
| Democratic hold | Swing |  |

## Washington

[edit]

Washington election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Brock Adams | Slade Gorton |
Party  | Democratic | Republican
Popular vote  | 677,471 | 650,931
Percentage  | 50.7% | 48.7%

* * *

County results
Adams:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
Gorton:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Slade Gorton
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Brock Adams
Democratic

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Washington

See also: List of United States senators from Washington

Incumbent Republican Senator Slade Gorton lost re-election to former Transportation Secretary Brock Adams. Gorton later won Washington's other Senate seat in 1988 and 1994 before losing re-election again in 2000.

1986 United States Senate election in Washington[42] Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Democratic | Brock Adams | 677,471  | 50.66%
| Republican | Slade Gorton (Incumbent)  | 650,931  | 48.67%
| Socialist Workers | Jill Fein  | 8,965  | 0.67%
Majority  | 26,540  | 1.99%
Turnout | 1,337,367  |
| Democratic gain from Republican

## Wisconsin

[edit]

Wisconsin election

* * *

← 1980

1992 →

|   |  |

|
|

Nominee  | Bob Kasten | Ed Garvey |
Party  | Republican | Democratic
Popular vote  | 754,573 | 702,963
Percentage  | 50.9% | 47.4%

* * *

County results
Kasten:      50–60%      60–70%
Garvey:      50–60%

* * *

| U.S. senator before election

Bob Kasten
Republican

| Elected U.S. Senator

Bob Kasten
Republican

|

Main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Wisconsin

See also: List of United States senators from Wisconsin

Incumbent Republican Bob Kasten ran unopposed in the Republican primary. Ed Garvey, former Deputy Attorney General of Wisconsin and executive director of the NFLPA, defeated Matt Flynn in the Democratic primary.[43] Kasten defeated Garvey in the general election by just over 3%.[5]

General election results  Party  | Candidate  | Votes  | %

|
|
|

| Republican | Bob Kasten (Incumbent)  | 754,573  | 50.9%
| Democratic | Ed Garvey  | 702,963  | 47.4%
Majority  | 51,610  | 3.5%
Turnout | 1,457,536  |
| Republican hold

## See also

[edit]

* 1986 United States elections
* 1986 United States gubernatorial elections
* 1986 United States House of Representatives elections
* 99th United States Congress
* 100th United States Congress

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b The Conservative Party and Right to Life Party in New York endorsed Al D'Amato, but the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives did not tabulate their votes, totaling 347,487, into the national Republican total.[1]
2. ^ Appointee defeated
3. ^ Georgia was the "tipping-point state".

1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives (1987). "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 1986" (PDF). U.S. Government Printing Office.
2. ^ "Our Campaigns - AL US Senate - D Primary Race - Jun 03, 1986". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
3. ^ "Our Campaigns - AL US Senate - R Primary Race - Jun 03, 1986". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
4. ^ "Our Campaigns - AL US Senate Race - Nov 04, 1986". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah "Election Results for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives in 1986" (PDF).
6. ^ "Official Results - August 26, 1986 Primary Election" (PDF). State of Alaska Division of Elections. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 18, 2017. Retrieved October 5, 2017.
7. ^ Nowicki, D. & Muller, B. (March 1, 2007). The Senate calls. Archived January 23, 2016, at the Wayback Machine The Arizona Republic. Retrieved September 16, 2007.
8. ^ "Our Campaigns - AR US Senate Race - Nov 04, 1986". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
9. ^ "Our Campaigns - CA US Senate Race - Nov 04, 1986". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
10. ^ "Chris Dodd". Ludington Daily News. Retrieved December 20, 2017 – via Google News Archive Search.[permanent dead link]
11. ^ "Our Campaigns - CT US Senate Race - Nov 04, 1986". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
12. ^ a b "Florida Department of State – Election Results". Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved March 26, 2011.
13. ^ "United States Senator". Our Campaigns. December 21, 2005. Retrieved January 1, 2009.
14. ^ "Our Campaigns - IL US Senate Race - Nov 04, 1986". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
15. ^ "Our Campaigns - IN US Senate Race - Nov 04, 1986". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
16. ^ a b "Summary of Official Canvass of Votes Cast in Iowa Primary Election 1986" (PDF). sos.iowa.gov. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 18, 2022.
17. ^ a b "Maryland State Board of Elections". Elections.state.md.us. August 17, 2001. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
18. ^ "Our Campaigns - NH US Senate Race - Nov 04, 1986". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
19. ^ "Our Campaigns - NY US Senate Race - Nov 04, 1986". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
20. ^ a b "Advisory Opinion of the Federal Election Commission" (PDF). Retrieved December 20, 2017.
21. ^ a b Bookwatch, D.G. Martin/North Carolina (August 24, 2015). "D.G. Martin: Trump, Romney and Terry Sanford". Retrieved December 20, 2017.
22. ^ a b "Democrats' Hopes up in Carolina Senate Race". The New York Times. December 20, 1986. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
23. ^ "Our Campaigns - NC US Senate - D Primary Race - May 06, 1986". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
24. ^ "Our Campaigns - NC US Senate - R Primary Race - May 06, 1986". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
25. ^ "Our Campaigns - NC US Senate Race - Nov 04, 1986". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
26. ^ "Our Campaigns - NC US Senate Special Election Race - Nov 04, 1986". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
27. ^ "Campaign '86: Conrad Gaining on Andrews in North Dakota Senate Race". Associated Press.
28. ^ "Our Campaigns - OH US Senate Race - Nov 04, 1986". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
29. ^ "Our Campaigns - NH US Senate Race - Nov 03, 1998". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
30. ^ Shields, Mark (May 23, 1986). "Scaring Packwood". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
31. ^ "Andy Kerr – the Browning of Bob Packwood". Archived from the original on September 17, 2010. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
32. ^ "Oregon US Senate Democratic Primary Race, May 20, 1986". ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved April 9, 2010.
33. ^ "Oregon US Senate Republican Primary Race, May 20, 1986". ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved April 9, 2010.
34. ^ "Oregon US Senate Race, Nov 4, 1986". ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved April 9, 2010.
35. ^ Stevens, William K. (May 22, 1986). "STIFF CHALLENGE SEEN IN PENNSYLVANIA SENATE RACE". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
36. ^ a b Kennedy, John J. (2006). Pennsylvania Elections: Statewide Contests from 1950-2004. United Press of America. pp. 65–67\. ISBN 9780761832799.
37. ^ "Our Campaigns - VA US Senate Race - Nov 07, 2000". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
38. ^ "South Dakota Secretary of State, Shantel Krebs" (PDF). www.sdsos.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 22, 2011. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
39. ^ "Snelling Pressure". The Brattleboro Reformer. October 18, 1985. p. 1. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
40. ^ "Diverse Opinions". Rutland Daily Herald. October 28, 1985. p. 9. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
41. ^ a b c "Official Report of the Canvassing Committee United States and Statewide Offices - Primary Election, September 9, 1986" (PDF). vermont-elections.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 17, 2012. Retrieved October 5, 2017.
42. ^ "Election Search Results – Elections & Voting – WA Secretary of State".
43. ^ "Our Campaigns - WI US Senate- D Primary Race - Sep 09, 1986". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved February 23, 2022.

## External links

[edit]

* State Election Commission (1987). South Carolina Election Commission Annual Report 1986-1987. Columbia, South Carolina. pp. 14, 22.`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

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