| U.s. Senate Election, 1986 |
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]] The U.S. Senate election, 1986 was an election for the United States Senate in the middle of Ronald Reagan 's second presidential term. As a midterm election, and one which occurred six years after major Republican gains from Reagan's Coattails in 1980 , the Democrats had a better chance to gain seats - only twice since 1918 had the out of Presidency party failed to gain seats, with the average shift being four. However, 1986 was unusual in that it was the first time since 1918 where the chamber had changed hands in a second term midterm. In the election, the Democrats gained a net eight seats, and recaptured control of the Senate from the Republicans with a 55-45 majority. Robert Dole (R-KS) and Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) exchanged positions as majority and minority leader. The only Republican gain was one open seat in (R-AL), Paula Hawkins (R-FL), Mack Mattingly (R-GA), James Broyhill (R-NC), Mark Andrews (R-ND), James Abdnor (R-SD), and Slade Gorton (R-WA). Notable new Senators in 1986 include John McCain (R-AZ), elected to the seat left by Barry Goldwater 's retirement, Tom Daschle (D-SD), who retook George McGovern 's old seat from Abdnor, and current Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). In 1987, Edward Zorinsky (D-NE) died and was replaced by David K. Karnes (R-NE). This is not included in the party balance totals. SENATE CONTESTS IN 1986 1Broyhill was appointed to the seat on July 3 , 1986 , following the death of John Porter East (R-NC). SEE ALSO SENATE COMPOSITION BEFORE AND AFTER ELECTIONS
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