The 1986 Wyoming gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1986. Popular three-term Democratic Governor Edgar Herschler announced that he would not seek a fourth term, creating an open seat. Attorney Mike Sullivan emerged as the unlikely Democratic nominee, and faced former state representative Pete Simpson, the Republican nominee and the brother of then-U.S. senator Alan K. Simpson, in the general election. Despite Sullivan's political inexperience, he was able to defeat Simpson by a decisive margin, winning his first of two terms in office.
Democratic primary Candidates Mike Sullivan, attorney Pat McGuire, rancher Keith Goodenough, forester Al Hamburg, perennial candidate
Results
Republican primary Candidates Pete Simpson, former State Representative Bill Budd, former state representative Fred Schroeder, former chairman of the Republican Party of Wyoming Russ Donley, former Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives David R. Nicholas, state senator John R. Johnson, dentist Jim L. Bace, computer programmer, 1982 Republican candidate for governor
Results
Results Sullivan spent $102,219 during the primary and $150,000 in the general election compared to Simpson spending around $300,000 in the primary and $200,000 in the general election.
References