1986 South Dakota gubernatorial election

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.

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

Candidates

 * Ralph Lars Herseth, State Representative
 * Richard F. Kneip, former Governor of South Dakota
 * Kenneth D. Stofferahn, South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner