1986 Nebraska gubernatorial election

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 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.

The election was the first state gubernatorial election in U.S. history where the candidates of both major national parties were women.[1]

  1. ^ Knudson, Thomas J. "Nebraska, in new page to history, installs woman". New York Times. 1987-01-09. Retrieved 2017-09-17.