The 1986 California State election was held on November 4, 1986, to determine which party would control the California State Senate for the following two years. All even-numbered seats were up for election, which consisted of half of the 40 senate seats. The primary was held on June 3, 1986. Prior to the election 26 seats were held by Democrats and 14 were held by Republicans. The general election saw Democrats losing a single seat, but retained control over the California State Senate.
Retirements 8th District: John Francis Foran (D) retired. 16th District: Walter W. Stiern (D) retired.
Closest races Seats where the margin of victory was under 10%: (gain) (gain)
Results 2nd District
4th District
6th District
8th District
10th District
12th District
14th District
16th District
18th District
20th District
22nd District
24th District
26th District
28th District
30th District
32nd District
34th District
36th District
38th District
40th District
Notes
References