United States Senate election in Nevada 1986 Tags: Election.The 1986 United States Senate election in Nevada was held on November 4 1986. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Paul Laxalt decided to retire instead of seeking a third term. U.S. Representative Democratic nominee Harry Reid won the open seat. thumbnail start date 1986-11-04 title United States Senate election in Nevada 1986 Learn more... Loading...