1986 Nebraska gubernatorial election

Summary

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.

1986 Nebraska gubernatorial election

← 1982 November 4, 1986 1990 →
 
Nominee Kay Orr Helen Boosalis
Party Republican Democratic
Running mate Bill Nichol Donald McGinley
Popular vote 298,325 265,156
Percentage 52.9% 47.0%

County results

Orr:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80-90%

Boosalis:      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election

Bob Kerrey
Democratic

Elected Governor

Kay Orr
Republican

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 edit

Governor edit

Candidates edit

Results edit

Democratic gubernatorial primary results[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Helen Boosalis 63,833 44.01
Democratic David Domina 37,975 26.18
Democratic Chris Beutler 31,605 21.79
Democratic Robert J. Prokop 5,160 3.56
Democratic Marge Higgins 4,433 3.06
Democratic Barton E. Chandler 1,260 0.87
Democratic Mina B. Dillingham 402 0.28
Democratic Write-in 369 0.25

Lieutenant governor edit

Candidates edit

Results edit

Democratic lieutenant gubernatorial primary results[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Donald F. McGinley (incumbent) 76,602 62.65
Democratic Ken L. Michaelis 23,646 19.34
Democratic Rachel Hepburn 21,822 17.85
Democratic Write-in 193 0.16

Republican primary edit

Governor edit

Candidates edit

Results edit

Republican gubernatorial primary results[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Kay A. Orr 75,914 39.41
Republican Kermit Brashear 60,308 31.30
Republican Nancy Hoch 42,649 22.14
Republican Everett Sileven 4,281 2.22
Republican Paul A. Rosberg 4,280 2.22
Republican Monte Taylor 3,276 1.70
Republican Roger Yant 682 0.35
Republican Chuck Loos 658 0.34
Republican Write-in 601 0.31

Lieutenant governor edit

Candidates edit

Results edit

Republican lieutenant gubernatorial primary results[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Bill Nichol 80,621 52.12
Republican Randy Moody 38,160 24.67
Republican Richard J. Mathews 35,656 23.05
Republican Write-in 260 0.17

General election edit

Results edit

Nebraska gubernatorial election, 1986[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Kay A. Orr 298,325 52.86%
Democratic Helen Boosalis 265,156 46.98%
Write-in Others 941 0.17%
Total votes 564,442 100.0%
Republican gain from Democratic

References edit

  1. ^ Knudson, Thomas J. "Nebraska, in new page to history, installs woman". New York Times. 1987-01-09. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska - Primary Election, May 13, 1986 & General Election, November 4, 1986" (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State.
  3. ^ "Lt. governor has opponent in Hepburn". Lincoln Journal Star. March 14, 1986. p. 20. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  4. ^ "2 Demos want to be lieutenant governor: Rachel Hepburn is pulling out of race". Lincoln Journal Star. April 25, 1986. p. 12. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  5. ^ "Ken Michaelis Files For Lt. Governor". Omaha World-Herald. March 11, 1986. p. 33. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  6. ^ "Richard Mathews Files for Lt. Governor". Omaha World-Herald. March 14, 1986. p. 36. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  7. ^ Rich Laden (January 31, 1986). "Randy Moody GOP Candidate For Lt. Gov". Omaha World-Herald. p. 13. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  8. ^ State of Nebraska, 2020-21 Nebraska Blue Book (PDF), pp. 317–378, retrieved June 22, 2023