# 1986 United States Senate election in South Dakota

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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 election was the only United States Senate election in South Dakota that Daschle would win by a narrow margin.

## 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.
Republican primary results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | James Abdnor (incumbent) | 63,414 | 54.51% |
| | Republican | Bill Janklow | 52,924 | 45.49% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 116,338 | 100.00% |

## General election
### Candidates

* James Abdnor (R), incumbent U.S. Senator
* Tom Daschle (D), U.S. Representative

### Results

General election results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Democratic | Tom Daschle | 152,657 | 51.60% | +12.21% |
| | Republican | James Abdnor (incumbent) | 143,173 | 48.40% | −9.80% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 295,830 | 100.00% | N/A |
| | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican | Democratic gain from Republican |