1986 Nebraska gubernatorial election explained

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
Nominee1:	Kay Orr
Running Mate1:	Bill Nichol
Party1:	Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:	298,325
Percentage1:	52.9%
Nominee2:	Helen Boosalis
Running Mate2:	Donald McGinley
Party2:	Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:	265,156
Percentage2:	47.0%
Map Size:	300px
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.^[1]

Democratic primary

Governor

Candidates

• Chris Beutler, member of the Nebraska Legislature
• Helen Boosalis, former mayor of Lincoln and Director of the Nebraska Department of Aging
• Barton E. Chandler
• Mina B. Dillingham
• David Domina, attorney
• Marge Higgins
• Robert J. Prokop

Results

Lieutenant governor

Candidates

• Rachel Hepburn, director of social services and public relations at O.U.R. Homes from Lincoln, Nebraska,^[2] who withdrew from the race in April 1986^[3]
• Donald F. McGinley, incumbent Nebraska Lieutenant Governor
• Ken L. Michaelis, disbarred attorney from West Point, Nebraska^[4]

Results

Republican primary

Governor

Candidates

• Kermit Brashear, attorney and former Chairman of the Nebraska Republican Party
• Nancy Hoch, businesswoman and Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in 1984
• Chuck Loos
• Kay A. Orr, Nebraska State Treasurer
• Paul A. Rosberg
• Everett Sileven
• Monte Taylor
• Roger Yant

Results

Lieutenant governor

Candidates

• Richard J. Mathews, retired Air Force officer from Bellevue, Nebraska^[5]
• Randy Moody, lobbyist, former Lancaster County Republican chairman, and former aide to Rep. John Y. McCollister, Sen. Roman Hruska, Rep. Virginia D. Smith, and Gov. Charles Thone from Lincoln, Nebraska^[6]
• Bill Nichol, Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature since 1983 and member of the Nebraska Legislature in District 48 since 1975 from Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

Results

General election

Results

Notes and References

1. Knudson, Thomas J. "Nebraska, in new page to history, installs woman". New York Times. 1987-01-09. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
2. News: Lt. governor has opponent in Hepburn. Lincoln Journal Star. March 14, 1986. 20. June 22, 2023.
3. News: 2 Demos want to be lieutenant governor: Rachel Hepburn is pulling out of race. Lincoln Journal Star. April 25, 1986. 12. June 22, 2023.
4. News: Ken Michaelis Files For Lt. Governor. Omaha World-Herald. March 11, 1986. 33. June 22, 2023.
5. News: Richard Mathews Files for Lt. Governor. Omaha World-Herald. March 14, 1986. 36. June 22, 2023.
6. News: Randy Moody GOP Candidate For Lt. Gov.. Rich Laden. Omaha World-Herald. January 31, 1986. 13. June 22, 2023.