1986 California gubernatorial election


The 1986 California gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1986. Incumbent [California California Republican Party|Republican Party|Republican] George Deukmejian won easily in this rematch over the [California California Democratic Party|Democratic Party|Democratic] challenger, Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley. This was the largest gubernatorial victory since that of Earl Warren in 1946, who won 91.64% of the vote.

Primary election

Both major party candidates from 1982 were renominated with only token opposition.

General election results

Results by county

George Deukmejian carried all but two counties. As of 2024, this is most recent election in which a Republican gubernatorial candidate won Marin County, San Mateo County, and Santa Cruz County.

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican