The U.S. Senate election, 1986 was an election for the United States Senate in the middle of Ronald Reagan's second presidential term. As a midterm election, and one which occurred six years after major Republican gains from Reagan's coattails in 1980, the Democrats had a better chance to gain seats.

In the event, the Democrats gained a net eight seats, and recaptured control of the Senate from the Republicans with a 55-45 majority. Robert Dole (R-KS) and Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) exchanged positions as majority and minority leader.

The only Republican gain was one open seat in Missouri. On the other hand, the Democrats gained open seats in Maryland, Nevada, and North Carolina, and defeated six incumbent Republican Senators, all first-term senators elected in 1980. The incumbents were: Jeremiah Denton (R-AL), Paula Hawkins (R-FL), Mack Mattingly (R-GA), Mark Andrews (R-ND), James Abdnor (R-SD), and Slade Gorton (R-WA).

Notable new Senators in 1986 include John McCain (R-AZ), elected to the seat left by Barry Goldwater's retirement, and Tom Daschle (D-SD), retaking George McGovern's old seat from Abdnor.

In 1987, Edward Zorinsky (D-NE) died and was replaced by David K. Karnes (R-NE). This is not included in the party balance totals.

Senate contests in 1986

See also

• U.S. Senate election, 1984
• U.S. Senate election, 1988
• U.S. House election, 1986

Senate composition before and after elections