The 1986 Florida gubernatorial election took place alongside the midterm congressional elections. The Democratic Party won many victories across the country (including retaking the Senate). However, in Florida, where Democrats gained the Senate seat from Republicans, they lost the Governorship for just the second time since Reconstruction.
The primaries took place on September 2, the runoffs on September 30, and the general election on November 4, 1986. This was the last time Republicans won Palm Beach County until 2022, and the last time that Democrats won Duval County until 2018.
Democratic nomination
Candidates Mark Kane Goldstein, former Mayor of Gainesville Harry Johnston, State Senator from West Palm Beach Steve Pajcic, State Representative from Jacksonville James C. Smith, Attorney General of Florida Joan Wollin, attorney
Republican nomination
Candidates Chester Clem, State Representative from Vero Beach Lou Frey, U.S. Representative from Orlando and candidate for Governor in 1978 Tom Gallagher, State Representative from Coconut Grove, Miami Bob Martinez, Mayor of Tampa
Withdrew
William G. Myers, state senator from Jupiter
Declined
Jeb Bush, chair of the Dade County Republican Party and son of vice president George Bush
General election
References