United States gubernatorial elections were held on November 5, 1985, in two states and one territory. Both seats remained in their respective parties' controls, as Democrat Gerald Baliles held the open seat in Virginia, while Republican incumbent Thomas Kean was reelected in New Jersey.
Election results
| State | Incumbent | Party | First elected |
Result | Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | Thomas Kean | Republican | 1981 | Incumbent re-elected. |
|
| Virginia | Chuck Robb | Democratic | 1981 | Incumbent term-limited. New governor elected. Democratic hold. |
|
