1986 Connecticut gubernatorial election

For related races, see 1986 United States gubernatorial elections.

The 1986 Connecticut gubernatorial election took place on November 4, 1986. Incumbent Democratic governor Bill O'Neill won his second full term against Republican assemblywoman Julie Belaga, who defeated Jerry Labriola for the Republican nomination. This election marked the last time a Democrat would win the governorship in Connecticut until the 2010 election, the last time a Democratic gubernatorial candidate has won every county in the state and the last time a Democrat won by a margin of larger than 5 percent until the 2022 election.

1986 Connecticut gubernatorial election

← 1982 November 4, 1986 1990 →
Turnout	61.4%[1]
Nominee Bill O'Neill Julie Belaga Party Democratic Republican Running mate Joseph J. Fauliso E. Clayton Gengras, Jr. Popular vote 575,638 408,489 Percentage 57.93% 41.11%
County results Municipality results O'Neill:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80% Belaga:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      Tie
Governor before election Bill O'Neill Democratic Elected Governor Bill O'Neill Democratic

Election results

1986 Connecticut gubernatorial election^[2]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Bill O'Neill (incumbent)	575,638	57.93%	+4.58%
	Republican	Julie Belaga	408,489	41.11%	−4.82%
	Independent	Frank Longo	9,565	0.96%	N/A
Total votes			984,127	100.00%	N/A
	Democratic hold