1986Final results
1986 election for New York's 20th District
U.S. House · New York
Joseph J. Dioguardi (R) won with 53.9% of the vote, defeating Bella S. Abzug (D) by 9.3 points.
Joseph J. DioguardiRepublican · winner
53.9%80,220
Bella S. AbzugDemocrat
44.6%66,359
Florence T. O'GradyRight to Life
1.6%2,341
148,920 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.
Bella S. AbzugJoseph J. Dioguardi
$903.2K
Raised by the campaign
$1.3M
$902.5K
Spent by the campaign
$1.3M
$695
Cash on hand
$16.7K
Campaign money: FEC, through Dec 31, 1986.
Source: FEC campaign filingsUpdated Dec 31, 1986
The candidates
Joseph J. Dioguardi (R)Bella S. Abzug (D)
Also on the ballot: Florence T. O'Grady (Right to Life), 1.6%