The 1986 Connecticut State Senate elections took place as a part of the biennial 1986 United States elections. All 36 seats were up for re-election. Senators serve two-year terms and are up for re-election every election cycle.
The Democrats, led by minority leader Cornelius O'Leary, flipped control of the State Senate. They managed to gain a two-thirds majority over the Republicans, achieving a supermajority. This was in large part attributed to the popularity of incumbent Democratic governor William O'Neill and his landslide re-election, having a coattail effect boosting down-ballot Connecticut Democrats due to the state's improved economy, with it also leading to them reclaiming the state house.
Retirements Two incumbents did not seek re-election.
Republicans District 5: Anne Streeter retired. District 26: John Grennell Matthews retired.
Special elections One special election was called for the 25th district due to Republican Senator Andrew Santaniello's unexpected death on March 15, 1986. The date of the election was held on May 6, 1986. Republican councilman Joseph Santo managed to beat former Democratic state representative John Atkin, and held the seat Republican.
However, in the general election on November 4, Atkin managed to unseat Santo in a rematch, flipping the seat Democratic.
Incumbents defeated Twelve incumbents, all Republicans, were defeated in general elections.
In general election
Republicans District 4: Carl A. Zinsser lost re-election to Michael Meotti. District 9: Richard B. Johnston lost re-election to Cynthia Matthews. District 12: Richard S. Eaton lost re-election to Thomas J. Sullivan. District 16: Joseph C. Markley lost re-election to Donald M. Rinaldi. District 17: John F. Consoli lost re-election to Gary A. Hale. District 18: Donald Schoolcraft lost re-election to Steven Spellman. District 19: Eric R. Benson lost re-election to Kenneth Przybysz. District 20: Pierce F. Connair lost re-election to Mark H. Powers. District 22: Lee Scarpetti lost re-election to Howard T. Owens Jr. District 24: Robert T. Miller lost re-election to James H. Maloney. District 25: Joseph Santo lost re-election to John Atkin. District 35: James D. Giulietti lost re-election to Marie Herbst.
Results
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9 District 10 District 11 District 12 District 13 District 14 District 15 District 16 District 17 District 18 District 19 District 20 District 21 District 22 District 23 District 24 District 25 District 26 District 27 District 28 District 29 District 30 District 31 District 32 District 33 District 34 District 35 District 36
References