1986 Massachusetts gubernatorial election


The 1986 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986. Michael Dukakis was elected Governor of Massachusetts for a third term. He defeated Republican George Kariotis by a 65–30% margin.

Democratic primary

Governor

Candidates

Declared
Michael Dukakis was unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

Lieutenant Governor

Candidates

Declared
John Kerry, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 1982, did not run for reelection as he had been elected to the United States Senate in 1984.

Results

Republican primary

Governor

Candidates

Declared
On March 13, Greg Hyatt became the first Republican to enter the gubernatorial race. A self-described "populist conservative", Hyatt supported limiting state taxes, bringing back the death penalty, and competency testing and merit pay for teachers. He opposed the state law that made wearing a seat belt mandatory, the use of roadblocks to crack down on drunken driving, and the use of public funds for abortions.
Shortly before the Republican convention, Boston attorney and former Metropolitan District Commissioner Guy Carbone entered the race.
The convention nomination was won by Royall H. Switzler, a state representative who had been drafted by anti-Hyatt Republicans after former Congressman Paul W. Cronin decided not to enter the race. To receive the endorsement of the party, a candidate must receive the support of 50% of the delegates. Only candidates receiving 15% of the vote or more on any ballot would be eligible for a primary. After a strong showing on the first ballot, some of Hyatt's major supporters, including Ray Shamie and Papa Gino's founder Michael Valerio, announced that they would not oppose Switzler's endorsement. On the second ballot, Switzler won the nomination with 975 votes. Since Carbone did not exceed 15% of the vote on either ballot, he was eliminated.

Results

Due to the fact that both listed candidates had dropped out of the race, the Republican primary saw extremely low turnout.

Lieutenant Governor

Candidates

Declared

Results

Dukakis won a convincing victory over Kariotis. Soon after being sworn in for his third term as Governor, Dukakis began to run for the Democratic nomination for President in 1988.