1986Final results
1986 election for Illinois Governor
Governor · Illinois
James R. Thompson (R) won with 52.7% of the vote, defeating Adlai Stevenson III (Oth) by 12.7 points.
James R. ThompsonRepublican · winner
52.7%1,655,849
Adlai Stevenson IIIOther party
40.0%1,256,626
No candidateDemocrat
6.6%208,830
Gary L. ShiltsLibertarian
0.5%15,646
Diane RolingSocialist Workers
0.2%6,843
Charles E. KoenOther party
0.0%141
Wilbur L. KeelingOther party
0.0%30
David L. BernabieOther party
0.0%13
3,143,978 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
James R. Thompson (R)Adlai Stevenson III (OTH)
No candidate (D)
Also on the ballot: Gary L. Shilts (Libertarian), 0.5%; Diane Roling (Socialist Workers), 0.2%; Charles E. Koen (Other party), 0.0%; Wilbur L. Keeling (Other party), 0.0%; David L. Bernabie (Other party), 0.0%