1986 Colorado gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1986 United States gubernatorial elections.

The 1986 Colorado gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986. Democratic nominee Roy Romer defeated Republican nominee Ted L. Strickland with 58.20% of the vote.

1986 Colorado gubernatorial election

November 4, 1986

Nominee Roy Romer Ted L. Strickland Party Democratic Republican Running mate Mike Callihan Kathy Arnold Popular vote 616,325 434,420 Percentage 58.20% 41.03%

County results Romer:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Strickland:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%

Governor before election Richard Lamm Democratic Elected Governor Roy Romer Democratic

Primary elections

Primary elections were held on August 12, 1986.

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Roy Romer, Colorado State Treasurer

Results

Democratic primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Roy Romer	101,192	100.00

Republican primary

Candidates

• Ted L. Strickland, State Senator, and former Lieutenant Governor
• Steve Schuck, businessman
• Bob Kirscht, State Representative

Results

Republican primary results

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Ted L. Strickland	66,796	35.56
	Republican	Steve Schuck	64,245	34.21
	Republican	Bob Kirscht	56,779	30.23
Total votes			187,820	100.00

General election

Candidates

Major party candidates

• Roy Romer, Democratic
• Ted L. Strickland, Republican

Other candidates

• Earl F. Dodge Jr., Prohibition

Results

1986 Colorado gubernatorial election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Roy Romer	616,325	58.20%	−7.49%
	Republican	Ted L. Strickland	434,420	41.03%	+9.36%
	Prohibition	Earl Dodge	8,183	0.77%	+0.40%
Majority			181,905	17.17%
Turnout			1,058,928
	Democratic hold		Swing