1986Final results
1986 election for Alaska Governor
Governor · Alaska
Steve Cowper (D) won with 49.2% of the vote, defeating Arliss Sturgulewski (R) by 4.9 points.
Steve CowperDemocrat · winner
49.2%84,943
Arliss SturgulewskiRepublican
44.4%76,515
Joe VoglerIndependent
5.8%10,013
Mary Jane O'BrannonLibertarian
0.6%1,050
172,521 votes
Source: English WikipediaUpdated Oct 5, 2026, 4:05 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 1986
Races before and after
Source: English WikipediaUpdated Oct 5, 2026, 4:05 AM ET
The candidates
Steve Cowper (D)Arliss Sturgulewski (R)Joe Vogler (I)
Also on the ballot: Mary Jane O'Brannon (Libertarian), 0.6%