 Instead of seeking reelection to an eighth term in the Assembly in 1986, Papan ran for the 8th State Senate District seat but was defeated by independent candidate Quentin L. Kopp.After leaving office in 1986, Papan was succeeded by Jackie Speier and did not return to the Assembly until 1996 when Speier vacated the seat.Papan was re-elected in 1998 and 2000 with over 70% of the vote in his district.