1986Final results
1986 election for Vermont Governor
Governor · Vermont
Madeline Kunin (D) won with 47.0% of the vote, defeating Peter Smith (R) by 8.8 points.
Madeline KuninDemocrat · winner
47.0%92,485
Peter SmithRepublican
38.3%75,239
Bernie SandersIndependent
14.5%28,418
Richard F. GottliebLiberty Union
0.2%491
196,633 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
Madeline Kunin (D)Peter Smith (R)Bernie Sanders (I)
Also on the ballot: Richard F. Gottlieb (Liberty Union), 0.2%