1986 United States Senate election in South Dakota

The 1986 United States Senate election in South Dakota was held on November 4, 1986. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator James Abdnor ran for re-election to a second term, but was defeated by Democrat and future Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle. This was the only one of Daschle's Senate races that he only narrowly won.

Republican primary

Candidates

James Abdnor, incumbent U.S. Senator
Bill Janklow, Governor of South Dakota

Results

Although Abdnor won the primary by a fairly comfortable margin, it hurt him badly. Daschle was uncontested for the Democratic nomination and therefore was able to focus on the general election early, while Abdnor had to fight a challenge from a popular incumbent governor. Many political analysts say this was one of the factors in Abdnor's general election loss.