South Dakota gubernatorial election, 1986

South Dakota gubernatorial election, 1986

November 4, 1986 (1986-11-04)

125px Nominee George S. Mickelson Ralph Lars Herseth Party Republican Democratic Running mate Walter D. Miller Ted Thoms Popular vote 152,543 141,898

Governor before election Bill Janklow Republican Governor George S. Mickelson Republican

The 1986 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986 to elect a Governor of South Dakota. Republican nominee George S. Mickelson was elected, defeating Democratic nominee Ralph Lars Herseth.

Republican primary

Candidates

• George S. Mickelson, Speaker of the South Dakota House of Representatives
• Clint Roberts, former member of the United States House of Representatives from South Dakota's 2nd district
• Lowell Hansen, incumbent Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota
• Alice Kundert, South Dakota Secretary of State

Results

Republican primary results
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	George S. Mickelson	40,979	35.30
	Republican	Clint Roberts	37,250	32.08
	Republican	Lowell Hansen	21,884	18.85
	Republican	Alice Kundert	15,985	13.77
Total votes			116,098	100.00

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Ralph Lars Herseth

General election

Results

South Dakota gubernatorial election, 1986
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	George S. Mickelson	152,543	51.81
	Democratic	Ralph Lars Herseth	141,898	48.19
Total votes			294,441	100.00
	Republican hold