The 1986 Maryland gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 1986. Democratic nominee William Donald Schaefer defeated Republican nominee Thomas J. Mooney with 82.37% of the vote. To date this is the largest percentage total ever for a contested statewide election in Maryland.
As of November, 2025, this is the last time a candidate from either party carried every county in a gubernatorial election, and the last time the Democratic candidate won a majority of counties in a gubernatorial election. He is also the last Democrat to win the following counties: Garrett, Washington, Carroll, Queen Anne's, Caroline, Dorchester, Wicomico, and Somerset. Anne Arundel County, Frederick County, Kent County, and Talbot County would not vote Democratic again until 2022.
Primary elections Primary elections were held on September 9, 1986.
Democratic primary
Candidates William Donald Schaefer, Mayor of Baltimore Stephen H. Sachs, Attorney General of Maryland Lawrence K. Freeman, Lyndon LaRouche activist and perennial candidate Mary Fellenbaum Holter
Results
General election
Candidates William Donald Schaefer, Democratic Thomas J. Mooney, Fmr State Delegate, Republican
Results
References