1986Final results
1986 election for Wisconsin's 7th District
U.S. House · Wisconsin
David Obey (D) won with 62.1% of the vote, defeating Kevin J. Hermening (R) by 25.2 points.
David ObeyDemocrat · winner
62.1%106,700
Kevin J. HermeningRepublican
36.9%63,408
Joseph D. DamrellOther party
0.9%1,599
171,712 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.
David ObeyKevin J. Hermening
$473K
Raised by the campaign
$127.1K
$462.5K
Spent by the campaign
$124.2K
$102K
Cash on hand
$2.9K
Other candidates' campaigns: Joseph D. Damrell $1.3K.
Campaign money: FEC, through Dec 31, 1986.
Source: FEC campaign filingsUpdated Dec 31, 1986