1986Final results
1986 election for Illinois's 3rd District
U.S. House · Illinois
Martin Russo (D) won with 66.2% of the vote, defeating James J. Tierney (R) by 32.4 points.
Martin RussoDemocrat · winner
66.2%102,949
James J. TierneyRepublican
33.8%52,618
155,567 votes
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 1986
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
Money in this race
Each line compares the two campaigns on one scale.
Martin RussoJames J. Tierney
$478.4K
Raised by the campaign
$43.2K
$483.1K
Spent by the campaign
$43K
$2.1K
Cash on hand
$68
Campaign money: FEC, through Dec 31, 1986.
Source: FEC campaign filingsUpdated Dec 31, 1986