1986 Florida gubernatorial election
← 1982 November 4, 1986 1990 →
 
Bob Martinez 3x4 crop.jpg
Steve Pajcic.jpg
Nominee Bob Martinez Steve Pajcic
Party Republican Democratic
Running mate Bobby Brantley Franklin B. Mann
Popular vote 1,847,525 1,538,620
Percentage 54.6% 45.4%
1986 Florida gubernatorial election results map by county.svg
County results

Martinez:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%

Pajcic:      50–60%      60–70%
Governor before election

Bob Graham
Democratic

Elected Governor

Bob Martinez
Republican

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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.

Democratic nomination

Candidates

Democratic primary results[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Steve Pajcic 360,900 35.89%
Democratic James C. Smith 309,908 30.82%
Democratic Harry Johnston 257,906 25.65%
Democratic Mark Kane Goldstein 54,060 5.38%
Democratic Joan L. Wollin 22,691 2.26%
Total votes 1,005,465 100.00%
Democratic primary runoff results[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Steve Pajcic 429,527 50.64%
Democratic James C. Smith 418,614 49.36%
Total votes 848,041 100.00%

Republican nomination

Candidates

Republican primary results[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Bob Martinez 244,417 43.80%
Republican Louis Frey Jr. 137,967 24.72%
Republican Tom Gallagher 131,265 23.52%
Republican Chester Clem 44,409 7.96%
Total votes 558,058 100.00%
Republican primary runoff results[3]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Bob Martinez 259,333 66.33%
Republican Louis Frey Jr. 131,652 33.67%
Total votes 390,985 100.00%

General election

Bob Martinez and Steve Pajcic wish each other luck before their gubernatorial debate
Bob Martinez and Steve Pajcic wish each other luck before their gubernatorial debate
Florida gubernatorial election, 1986[4]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Bob Martinez 1,847,525 54.56% +19.26
Democratic Steve Pajcic 1,538,620 45.44% -19.26
Write-in 27 0.00 N/A
Majority 308,905 9.12 -20.28
Turnout 3,386,172 100.00% N/A
Republican gain from Democratic Swing

References

  1. ^ a b Blanton, Donna (August 31, 1986). "DEMOCRATS WAGE A 'BIZARRE' BATTLE". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Florida Department of State - Election Results".
  3. ^ a b "Florida Department of State - Election Results".
  4. ^ "Florida Department of State - Election Results". doe.dos.state.fl.us. Archived from the original on 2011-10-03.
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