| Election Name: | 1986 United States Senate elections |
| Country: | United States |
| Type: | legislative |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1984 United States Senate elections |
| Previous Year: | 1984 |
| Next Election: | 1988 United States Senate elections |
| Next Year: | 1988 |
| Majority Seats: | 51 |
| Election Date: | November 4, 1986 |
| 1Blank: | Seats up |
| 2Blank: | Races won |
| Image1: | Robert C. Byrd – 1977.jpg |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Leader Since1: | January 3, 1977 |
| Seats Before1: | 47 |
| Seats After1: | 55 |
| Seat Change1: | 8 |
| Popular Vote1: | 24,347,369 |
| Percentage1: | 50.1% |
| 1Data1: | 12 |
| 2Data1: | 20 |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Leader Since2: | January 3, 1985 |
| Seats Before2: | 53 |
| Seats After2: | 45 |
| Seat Change2: | 8 |
| Popular Vote2: | 23,126,219 |
| Percentage2: | 47.6% |
| 1Data2: | 22 |
| 2Data2: | 14 |
| Map Size: | 320px |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
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).
| 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 12 | 22 | — | — | — | 34 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Incumbent retired | 3 | 3 | — | — | — | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | 1 | — | — | — | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 Republicans replaced by 2 Democrats< | --MD, NV--> 1 Democrat replaced by 1 Republican | — | — | — | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Result | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Incumbent ran | 9 | 19 | — | — | — | 28 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9 | 12 | — | — | — | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7 Republicans replaced by 7 Democrats< | --AL, FL, GA, NC, ND, SD, WA--> | — | — | — | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | 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
Three Republicans and three Democrats retired instead of seeking re-election.
Seven Republicans sought re-election but lost in the general election, including one that simultaneously lost in a special election.
One Democrat died on March 6, 1987, and a Republican was appointed on March 11, 1987.
| D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | |||||||||||
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| Majority → | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Majority → | D | |||||||||||||||||||
| R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D &<br /> | ||||||||||||
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| width=10% | D | width=10% | D | width=10% | D | width=10% | D | width=10% | D | width=10% | D | width=10% | D | width=10% | D | width=10% | D | width=10% | D | |
| D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | |||||||||||
| D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | |||||||||||
| D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | |||||||||||
| Majority → | D | |||||||||||||||||||
| R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | ||||||||||||
| R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | |||||||||||
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| R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | |||||||||||
| R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R |
| Key |
|
|---|
In this special election, the winner was seated during 1986.
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 | Results | Candidates | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senator | Party | Electoral history | ||||||
| Alabama | Republican | 1980 | Incumbent lost re-election. New senator elected. Democratic gain. | nowrap | ||||
| Alaska | Republican | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Arizona | Republican | 1952 1958 1964 1968 1974 1980 | Incumbent retired. New senator elected. Republican hold. | nowrap | ||||
| Arkansas | Democratic | 1974 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| California | Democratic | 1968 1974 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Colorado | Democratic | 1974 1980 | Incumbent retired. New senator elected. Democratic hold. | nowrap | ||||
| Connecticut | Democratic | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Florida | Republican | 1980 | Incumbent lost re-election. New senator elected. Democratic gain. | nowrap | ||||
| Georgia | Republican | 1980 | Incumbent lost re-election. New senator elected. Democratic gain. | nowrap | ||||
| Hawaii | Democratic | 1962 1968 1974 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Idaho | Republican | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Illinois | Democratic | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Indiana | Republican | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Iowa | Republican | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Kansas | Republican | 1968 1974 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Kentucky | Democratic | 1974 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Louisiana | Democratic | 1948 1950 1956 1962 1968 1974 1980 | Incumbent retired. New senator elected. Democratic hold. | nowrap | ||||
| Maryland | Republican | 1968 1974 1980 | Incumbent retired. New senator elected. Democratic gain. | nowrap | ||||
| Missouri | Democratic | 1968 1974 1980 | Incumbent retired. New senator elected. Republican gain. | nowrap | ||||
| Nevada | Republican | 1974 1980 | Incumbent retired. New senator elected. Democratic gain. | nowrap | ||||
| New Hampshire | Republican | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| New York | Republican | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| North Carolina | Republican | 1986 | Interim appointee lost election to the next term. New senator elected. Democratic gain. Winner was also elected to finish the current term, see above. | nowrap | ||||
| North Dakota | Republican | 1980 | Incumbent lost re-election. New senator elected. Democratic-NPL gain. | nowrap | ||||
| Ohio | Democratic | 1974 1974 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Oklahoma | Republican | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Oregon | Republican | 1968 1974 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Pennsylvania | Republican | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| South Carolina | Democratic | 1966 1968 1974 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| South Dakota | Republican | 1980 | Incumbent lost re-election. New senator elected. Democratic gain. | nowrap | ||||
| Utah | Republican | 1974 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Vermont | Democratic | 1974 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Washington | Republican | 1980 | Incumbent lost re-election. New senator elected. Democratic gain. | nowrap | ||||
| Wisconsin | Republican | 1980 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
In sixteen races the margin of victory was under 10%.
| State | Party of winner | Margin | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | data-sort-value=-0.5 | Democratic (flip) | 0.56% | |
| North Dakota | data-sort-value=-0.5 | Democratic (flip) | 0.73% | |
| California | data-sort-value=-1 | Democratic | 1.42% | |
| Colorado | data-sort-value=-1 | Democratic | 1.55% | |
| North Carolina (special) | data-sort-value=-0.5 | Democratic (flip) | 1.76% | |
| Georgia | data-sort-value=-0.5 | Democratic (flip) | 1.83% | |
| Washington | data-sort-value=-0.5 | Democratic (flip) | 1.99% | |
| Idaho | data-sort-value=1 | Republican | 3.11% | |
| South Dakota | data-sort-value=-0.5 | Democratic (flip) | 3.21% | |
| North Carolina (regular) | data-sort-value=-0.5 | Democratic (flip) | 3.54% | |
| Wisconsin | data-sort-value=1 | Republican | 3.54% | |
| Missouri | data-sort-value=.5 | Republican (flip) | 5.28% | |
| Nevada | data-sort-value=-0.5 | Democratic (flip) | 5.48% | |
| Louisiana | data-sort-value=-1 | Democratic | 5.64% | |
| Florida | data-sort-value=1 | Democratic (flip) | 9.48% | |
| Alaska | data-sort-value=1 | Republican | 9.93% |
| Election Name: | Alabama election |
| Country: | Alabama |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Alabama |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Alabama |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Richard Shelby 97th Congress 1981.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Richard Shelby |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 609,360 |
| Percentage1: | 50.3% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 602,537 |
| Percentage2: | 49.7% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See 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.[1]
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.[2]
Shelby won a very narrow victory over Denton (less than one percent), once again making Alabama's Senate delegation entirely Democratic.[3] [4]
| Election Name: | Alaska election |
| Country: | Alaska |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Alaska |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Alaska |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Frank Murkowski 1987.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Frank Murkowski |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 97,764 |
| Percentage1: | 54.02% |
| Nominee2: | Glenn Olds |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 79,727 |
| Percentage2: | 44.10% |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Election: | Frank Murkowski |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Election: | Frank Murkowski |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| Map Size: | 325px |
See 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.
| Election Name: | Arizona election |
| Country: | Arizona |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Arizona |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Arizona |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | John McCain 1983.jpg |
| Nominee1: | John McCain |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 521,850 |
| Percentage1: | 60.4% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 340,965 |
| Percentage2: | 39.5% |
| Map Size: | 220px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See 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."[5] McCain ultimately won the election by a margin of 20%, and he would go on to win six more terms to the U.S. Senate.
| Election Name: | Arkansas election |
| Country: | Arkansas |
| Flag Year: | 1924 |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Arkansas |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Arkansas |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Dale Bumpers.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Dale Bumpers |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 433,122 |
| Percentage1: | 62.3% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 262,313 |
| Percentage2: | 37.7% |
| Map Size: | 200px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See 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.
| Election Name: | California election |
| Country: | California |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in California |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in California |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | AlanCranston.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Alan Cranston |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 3,646,672 |
| Percentage1: | 49.3% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 3,541,804 |
| Percentage2: | 47.9% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See 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%.
| Election Name: | Colorado election |
| Country: | Colorado |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Colorado |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Colorado |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Tim Wirth (1).jpg |
| Nominee1: | Tim Wirth |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 529,449 |
| Percentage1: | 49.9% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 512,994 |
| Percentage2: | 48.4% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See 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.
| Election Name: | Connecticut election |
| Country: | Connecticut |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Connecticut |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Connecticut |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Nominee1: | Chris Dodd |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 632,695 |
| Percentage1: | 64.8% |
| Nominee2: | Roger Eddy |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 340,438 |
| Percentage2: | 34.9% |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See 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%.[6]
| Election Name: | Florida election |
| Country: | Florida |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Florida |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Florida |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Bob Graham, official Senate photo portrait, color.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Bob Graham |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 1,877,543 |
| Percentage1: | 54.7% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,552,376 |
| Percentage2: | 45.2% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See 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.
| Election Name: | Georgia election |
| Country: | Georgia (U.S. state) |
| Flag Year: | 1956 |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Georgia |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Georgia |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Wyche Fowler.PNG |
| Nominee1: | Wyche Fowler |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 623,707 |
| Percentage1: | 50.92% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 601,241 |
| Percentage2: | 49.08% |
| Map Size: | 200px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See 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. Fowler would lose re-election in 1992.
| Election Name: | Hawaii election |
| Country: | Hawaii |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Hawaii |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Hawaii |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Daniel Inouye official photo.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Daniel Inouye |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 241,887 |
| Percentage1: | 73.6% |
| Nominee2: | Frank Hutchinson |
| Party2: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 86,910 |
| Percentage2: | 26.4% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Election: | Daniel Inouye |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Daniel Inouye |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
See 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.
| Election Name: | Idaho election |
| Country: | Idaho |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Idaho |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Idaho |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Nominee1: | Steve Symms |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 196,958 |
| Percentage1: | 51.6% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 185,066 |
| Percentage2: | 48.4% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See 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%.
| Election Name: | Illinois election |
| Country: | Illinois |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Illinois |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Illinois |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Alan John Dixon (1).jpg |
| Nominee1: | Alan Dixon |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 2,033,783 |
| Percentage1: | 65.1% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,053,734 |
| Percentage2: | 33.7% |
| Map Size: | 170px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See 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. 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.
| Election Name: | Indiana election |
| Country: | Indiana |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Indiana |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1990 United States Senate special election in Indiana |
| Next Year: | 1990 (special) |
| Image1: | 44 Dan Quayle 3x4.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Dan Quayle |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 936,143 |
| Percentage1: | 60.6% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 595,192 |
| Percentage2: | 38.5% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See 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.[7]
| Election Name: | Iowa election |
| Country: | Iowa |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Iowa |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Iowa |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Chuck Grassley.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Chuck Grassley |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 588,880 |
| Percentage1: | 66.04% |
| Nominee2: | John P. Roehrick |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 299,406 |
| Percentage2: | 33.57% |
| Map Size: | 220px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See 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.
| Election Name: | Kansas election |
| Country: | Kansas |
| Type: | Presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Kansas |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Kansas |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Nominee1: | Bob Dole |
| Party1: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 576,902 |
| Percentage1: | 70.05% |
| Nominee2: | Guy MacDonald |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 246,664 |
| Percentage2: | 29.95% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Election: | Bob Dole |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Bob Dole |
| After Party: | Republican Party (United States) |
See 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.
| Election Name: | Kentucky election |
| Country: | Kentucky |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Kentucky |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Kentucky |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | File:Wendell-H-Ford.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Wendell Ford |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 503,775 |
| Percentage1: | 74.40% |
| Nominee2: | Jackson Andrews |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 173,330 |
| Percentage2: | 25.60% |
| Map Size: | 300px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See 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.
| Election Name: | Louisiana election |
| Country: | Louisiana |
| Flag Year: | 1912 |
| Type: | Presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Louisiana |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Louisiana |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Nominee1: | John Breaux |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote1: | 723,586 |
| Percentage1: | 52.82% |
| Nominee2: | Henson Moore |
| Party2: | Republican Party (United States) |
| Popular Vote2: | 646,311 |
| Percentage2: | 47.18% |
| Map Size: | 285px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Election: | Russell B. Long |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| After Election: | John Breaux |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
See 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.
See main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Maryland.
See also: List of United States senators from Maryland.
| Election Name: | Maryland election |
| Country: | Maryland |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Maryland |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Maryland |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Barbara Mikulski.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Barbara Mikulski |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 675,225 |
| Percentage1: | 60.7% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 437,411 |
| Percentage2: | 39.3% |
| Map Size: | 275px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
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. 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.". The phrase "San Francisco liberal" was common at the time.
Mikulski eventually won the race with 61 percent of the vote. 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.
| Election Name: | Missouri election |
| Country: | Missouri |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Missouri |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Missouri |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Portrait of Christopher S Bond.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Kit Bond |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 777,612 |
| Percentage1: | 52.6% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 699,624 |
| Percentage2: | 47.4% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See 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.
| Election Name: | Nevada election |
| Country: | Nevada |
| Flag Year: | 1929 |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Nevada |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Nevada |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Rep Harry Reid.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Harry Reid |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 130,955 |
| Percentage1: | 50.0% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 116,606 |
| Percentage2: | 44.5% |
| Map Size: | 200px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See 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. Reid had previously run for the seat in 1974.
| Election Name: | New Hampshire election |
| Country: | New Hampshire |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in New Hampshire |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in New Hampshire |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Warren Rudman.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Warren Rudman |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 154,090 |
| Percentage1: | 63.0% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 79,222 |
| Percentage2: | 32.4% |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See 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.
| Election Name: | New York election |
| Country: | New York |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in New York |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in New York |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Alfonse D'Amato.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Al D'Amato |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 2,378,197 |
| Percentage1: | 56.9% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,723,216 |
| Percentage2: | 41.2% |
| Map Size: | 300px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See 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. 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.
See 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).[8] Sanford won both elections.
The primary elections would nominate candidates to the special and the regular election.
| Election Name: | North Carolina election |
| Country: | North Carolina |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in North Carolina |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in North Carolina |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Flag Year: | 1885 |
| Image1: | Terry Sanford.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Terry Sanford |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 823,662 |
| Percentage1: | 51.76% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 767,668 |
| Percentage2: | 48.24% |
| Map Size: | 300px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
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.[9] Then, Friday declined to run, as did other well-known politicians like former Gov. Jim Hunt.[10] 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. 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. 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.
| Election Name: | North Carolina special election |
| Country: | North Carolina |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in North Carolina |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in North Carolina |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Flag Year: | 1885 |
| Image1: | Terry Sanford.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Terry Sanford |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 780,967 |
| Percentage1: | 50.88% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 753,881 |
| Percentage2: | 49.12% |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
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).[8]
| Election Name: | North Dakota election |
| Country: | North Dakota |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in North Dakota |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in North Dakota |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Kent Conrad.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Kent Conrad |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 143,932 |
| Percentage1: | 49.8% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 141,812 |
| Percentage2: | 49.1% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See 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 votes after a rigorous campaign involving personal attacks.[11]
| Election Name: | Ohio election |
| Country: | Ohio |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Ohio |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Ohio |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | John Glenn 97th Congress 1981.jpg |
| Nominee1: | John Glenn |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 1,949,208 |
| Percentage1: | 62.5% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,171,893 |
| Percentage2: | 37.6% |
| Map Size: | 201px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See 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.
| Election Name: | Oklahoma election |
| Country: | Oklahoma |
| Flag Year: | 1941 |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Oklahoma |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Oklahoma |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Sen Don Nickles.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Don Nickles |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 493,436 |
| Percentage1: | 55.2% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 400,230 |
| Percentage2: | 44.8% |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See 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.
| Election Name: | Oregon election |
| Country: | Oregon |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Oregon |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Oregon |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | RWPackwood.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Bob Packwood |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 656,317 |
| Percentage1: | 63.5% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 375,735 |
| Percentage2: | 36.5% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See 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.[12] 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.[13] 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.
| Election Name: | Pennsylvania election |
| Country: | Pennsylvania |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Arlen Specter 1960.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Arlen Specter |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 1,906,537 |
| Percentage1: | 56.4% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,448,219 |
| Percentage2: | 42.9% |
| Map Size: | 240px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Election: | Arlen Specter |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Election: | Arlen Specter |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See 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.[14] 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.[15]
Specter defeated Edgar in the general election by nearly 13% of the vote.
| Election Name: | South Carolina election |
| Country: | South Carolina |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in South Carolina |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in South Carolina |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | FritzHollings.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Ernest Hollings |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 463,354 |
| Percentage1: | 63.10% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 261,394 |
| Percentage2: | 35.60% |
| Map Size: | 225px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See 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.
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.
| Election Name: | South Dakota election |
| Country: | South Dakota |
| Flag Year: | 1963 |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in South Dakota |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in South Dakota |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Tom Daschle, official Senate photo.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Tom Daschle |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 152,657 |
| Percentage1: | 51.6% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 143,173 |
| Percentage2: | 48.4% |
| Map Size: | 240px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See 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.[16]
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.
| Election Name: | Utah election |
| Country: | Utah |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Utah |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Utah |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Flag Year: | 1913 |
| Image1: | Jake Garn.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Jake Garn |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 314,608 |
| Percentage1: | 72.31% |
| Nominee2: | Craig S. Oliver |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 115,523 |
| Percentage2: | 26.55% |
| Map Size: | 220px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See 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%.
| Election Name: | Vermont election |
| Country: | Vermont |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Vermont |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Vermont |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | Patrick Leahy 1979 congressional photo.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Patrick Leahy |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 124,123 |
| Percentage1: | 63.2% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 67,798 |
| Percentage2: | 34.5% |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See 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.[17]
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.[18]
Nonetheless, Leahy defeated Snelling in a 63%-35% landslide. Leahy would face one more tough re-election challenge in 1992 against Republican Jim Douglas, handily winning each term thereafter.
| Election Name: | Washington election |
| Country: | Washington |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Washington |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Washington |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Nominee1: | Brock Adams |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 677,471 |
| Percentage1: | 50.7% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 650,931 |
| Percentage2: | 48.7% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1986 United States Senate election in Washington.
See also: List of United States senators from Washington. Incumbent Republican Senator Slade Gorton
| Election Name: | Wisconsin election |
| Country: | Wisconsin |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1980 United States Senate election in Wisconsin |
| Previous Year: | 1980 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate election in Wisconsin |
| Next Year: | 1992 |
| Image1: | SenatorKasten.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Bob Kasten |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 754,573 |
| Percentage1: | 50.9% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 702,963 |
| Percentage2: | 47.4% |
| Map Size: | 230px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See 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.[19] Kasten defeated Garvey in the general election by just over 3%.