The 1986 New York gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986, to elect the governor and lieutenant governor of New York. Democratic incumbent Mario Cuomo defeated Andrew O'Rourke, the Republican Westchester County Executive, in a landslide, carrying all but 5 counties.
Republican nomination
Candidates Andrew P. O'Rourke, Westchester County Executive
Declined James L. Emery, former Assembly minority leader and 1982 nominee for lieutenant governor Rudy Giuliani, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York Roy M. Goodman, state senator from Manhattan Henry Kissinger, former U.S. secretary of state Lewis Lehrman, investment banker and 1982 nominee for governor
Lewis Lehrman, the 1982 nominee, decided early on not to mount another candidacy Lehrman's decision was seen as a blow to state Republican leaders, given his strong performance in 1982 and fundraising capacity. Former secretary of state Henry Kissinger considered running and was deemed an "able" challenger, and his decision to ultimately decline also led to a leadership vacuum.
In the end, O'Rourke secured the Republican nomination, and was praised as an "extremely credible candidate" by White House official Bill Lacy. His running mate was E. Michael Kavanagh, who served as district attorney of Ulster County.
General election
Candidates
Mario Cuomo, incumbent governor since 1983 (Democratic, Liberal) Running mate: Stan Lundine, U.S. representative from Jamestown Denis E. Dillon, Nassau County district attorney (Right to Life) Running mate: Thomas A. Droleskey, Hempstead political science professor and former seminarian Lenora Fulani, Brooklyn psychologist and 1982 nominee for lieutenant governor (New Alliance) Andrew P. O'Rourke, Westchester County Executive (Republican, Conservative) Running mate: E. Michael Kavanagh, Ulster County district attorney
Results
Notes
References