Elections / 1986 · Senate · CA
California — 1986 U.S. Senate election
Recent presidential results
Akashic1986 · U.S. SenateCalifornia · U.S. SenateAlan CranstonD+1.4
Candidates
Statewide candidate totals — MIT Election Data + Science Lab, 1986 Senate returns.
- Alan Cranston✓(i)Democrat3,646,67249.3%
- Ed ZschauRepublican3,541,80447.9%
- Edward B. "Ed" VallenIndependent109,8561.5%
- Breck McKinleyLibertarian66,2610.9%
- Paul KangasPeace And Freedom33,8690.5%
presidential baselinePresident 1984R+16.2Senate 1986D+1.4vs. baselineD+17.7
California's 1986 Senate race ran 17.7 points more Democratic than its 1984 presidential margin.
California's Senate margins
Every contest in our store, 1976–2024
| Year | Margin (D minus R) |
|---|---|
| 1976 | −3.3% |
| 1980 | +19.4% |
| 1982 | −6.8% |
| 1986 | +1.4% |
| 1988 | −8.8% |
| 1992 | +4.9% |
| 1994 | +1.9% |
| 1998 | +10.0% |
| 2000 | +19.3% |
| 2004 | +19.9% |
| 2006 | +24.4% |
| 2010 | +10.0% |
| 2012 | +25.0% |
| 2016 | +100.0% |
| 2018 | +100.0% |
| 2022 | +22.1% |
| 2024 | +17.7% |
Same ballot, 1986CA
Source. MIT Election Data + Science Lab — 1986 US Senate returns, party-classified by literal ballot party · certified statewide totals. Real returns — nothing estimated.