1986 Nebraska gubernatorial election

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

November 4, 1986

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

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

Democratic 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

Republican primary

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, state Treasurer
• Paul A. Rosberg
• Everett Sileven
• Monte Taylor
• Roger Yant

Results

Republican 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

General election

Results

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%

References

1. Knudson, Thomas J. "Nebraska, in new page to history, installs woman". New York Times. 1987-01-09. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
2. http://govdocs.nebraska.gov/epubs/S1200/S001-1986prim_gen.pdf