1986Final results
1986 election for U.S. Senate in Vermont
U.S. Senate · Vermont
Patrick J. Leahy (D) won with 63.2% of the vote, defeating Dick Snelling (R) by 28.7 points.
Patrick J. LeahyDemocrat · winner
63.2%124,123
Dick SnellingRepublican
34.5%67,798
Anthony N. DoriaConservative
1.5%2,963
Jerry LevyLiberty Union
0.8%1,583
196,532 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.
Patrick J. LeahyDick Snelling
$1.9M
Raised by the campaign
$1.5M
$1.7M
Spent by the campaign
$1.5M
$327.8K
Cash on hand
$0
Other candidates' campaigns: Anthony N. Doria $6.7K.
Campaign money: FEC, through Dec 31, 1986.
Source: FEC campaign filingsUpdated Dec 31, 1986
The candidates
Patrick J. Leahy (D)Dick Snelling (R)
Also on the ballot: Anthony N. Doria (Conservative), 1.5%; Jerry Levy (Liberty Union), 0.8%