The1986 Connecticut State Senate elections took place as a part of the biennial1986 United States elections. All 36 seats were up for re-election. Senators serve two-year terms and are up for re-election every election cycle.
The Democrats, led by minority leader Cornelius O'Leary, flipped control of theState Senate. They managed to gain a two-thirds majority over the Republicans, achieving asupermajority. This was in large part attributed to the popularity of incumbent Democratic governorWilliam O'Neill and hislandslide re-election, having acoattail effect boosting down-ballot Connecticut Democrats due to the state's improved economy, with it also leading to them reclaiming thestate house.[1][2][3]
One special election was called for the25th district due to Republican SenatorAndrew Santaniello's unexpected death on March 15, 1986. The date of the election was held on May 6, 1986. Republican councilmanJoseph Santo managed to beat former Democraticstate representativeJohn Atkin, and held the seat Republican.[4]
However, in the general election on November 4, Atkin managed to unseat Santo in a rematch, flipping the seat Democratic.[5]
