1986Final results
1986 election for U.S. Senate in Wisconsin
U.S. Senate · Wisconsin
Robert Kasten (R) won with 50.9% of the vote, defeating Edward R. Garvey (D) by 3.5 points.
Robert KastenRepublican · winner
50.9%754,573
Edward R. GarveyDemocrat
47.4%702,963
Peter Y. Taylor Sr.Independent
1.3%19,266
Margo StorsteenSocialist Workers
0.2%2,926
Eugene A. HemOther party
0.2%2,234
1,483,174 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.
Edward R. GarveyRobert Kasten
$1.3M
Raised by the campaign
$3.2M
$1.3M
Spent by the campaign
$3.4M
$2.2K
Cash on hand
$125.6K
Other candidates' campaigns: Peter Y. Taylor Sr. $4.8K · Margo Storsteen $1.7K · Eugene A. Hem $300.
Campaign money: FEC, through Dec 31, 1986.
Source: FEC campaign filingsUpdated Dec 31, 1986
The candidates
Robert Kasten (R)Edward R. Garvey (D)
Also on the ballot: Peter Y. Taylor Sr. (Independent), 1.3%; Margo Storsteen (Socialist Workers), 0.2%; Eugene A. Hem (Other party), 0.2%