The 1986 South Dakota gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986 to elect the Governor of South Dakota. Incumbent Bill Janklow was term-limited, so the field for the new governor was open. Republican nominee George S. Mickelson was elected, defeating Democratic nominee Ralph Lars Herseth.
Republican primary
Candidates
- George S. Mickelson, Speaker of the South Dakota House of Representatives
- Clint Roberts, former member of the United States House of Representatives from South Dakota's 2nd district
- Lowell Hansen, incumbent Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota
- Alice Kundert, South Dakota Secretary of State
Results
Democratic primary
Candidates
- Ralph Lars Herseth, State Representative
- Richard F. Kneip, former Governor of South Dakota
- Kenneth D. Stofferahn, South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner
Results
General election
Results
References
