The 1986 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986 to elect the Governor of South Dakota. Incumbent Bill Janklow was term-limited, so the field for the new governor was open. Republican nominee George S. Mickelson was elected, defeating Democratic nominee Ralph Lars Herseth. Until 2018, this would be the closest Gubernatorial election in South Dakota.
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
Democratic primary
Candidates Ralph Lars Herseth, State Representative Richard F. Kneip, former Governor of South Dakota Kenneth D. Stofferahn, South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner
Results
General election
Results
References