| Election Name: | 1988 United States Senate elections |
| Country: | United States |
| Type: | legislative |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1986 United States Senate elections |
| Previous Year: | 1986 |
| Next Election: | 1990 United States Senate elections |
| Next Year: | 1990 |
| Seats For Election: | 33 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate |
| Majority Seats: | 51 |
| Election Date: | November 8, 1988 |
| 1Blank: | Seats up |
| 2Blank: | Races won |
| Image1: | Robert C. Byrd – 1977.jpg |
| Leader1: | Robert Byrd |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Leader Since1: | January 3, 1977 |
| Leaders Seat1: | West Virginia |
| Seats Before1: | 54 |
| Seats After1: | 55 |
| Seat Change1: | 1 |
| Popular Vote1: | 35,137,786 |
| Percentage1: | 52.1% |
| 1Data1: | 18 |
| 2Data1: | 19 |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Leader2: | Bob Dole |
| Leader Since2: | January 3, 1985 |
| Leaders Seat2: | Kansas |
| Seats Before2: | 46 |
| Seats After2: | 45 |
| Seat Change2: | 1 |
| Popular Vote2: | 31,151,251 |
| Percentage2: | 46.2% |
| 1Data2: | 15 |
| 2Data2: | 14 |
| Map Size: | 320px |
| Majority Leader | |
| Before Election: | Robert Byrd |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Election: | George Mitchell |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
The 1988 United States Senate elections were elections for the United States Senate. Held on November 8, 1988, the 33 seats of Class 1 were contested in regular elections. In spite of the Republican victory by George H. W. Bush in the presidential election, the Democrats gained a net of 1 seat in the Senate. 7 seats changed parties, with 4 incumbents being defeated. The Democratic majority in the Senate increased by one to 55–45.
This is the last Senate election cycle in which California voted for a Republican, and the last in which Texas and Maine voted for the Democrat, and the last time Arizona voted Democratic until 2018. This would also be the last Senate election cycle until 1998 to not have at least one special election during that cycle.
This is also the last Senate election cycle in which no woman was elected to the Senate from either party as all of the winners were men.
Summary of the 1988 United States Senate election results
| 55 | 45 | |
| Democratic | Republican |
| Parties | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Republican | Libertarian | Conservative | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last elections (1986) | 55 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Before these elections | 54 | 46 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Not up | 36 | 31 | — | — | — | 67 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Up | 18 | 15 | — | — | — | 33 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Incumbent retired | 3 | 3 | — | — | — | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | 2 | — | — | — | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 Republican replaced by 1 Democrat< | --VA--> 2 Democrats replaced by 2 Republicans | — | — | — | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Result | 2 | 4 | — | — | — | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Incumbent ran | 15 | 12 | — | — | — | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14 | 9 | — | — | — | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 Republicans replaced by 3 Democrats< | --CT, NE, NV--> 1 Democrat replaced by 1 Republican | — | — | — | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Result | 17 | 10 | — | — | — | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total elected | 19 | 14 | — | — | — | 33 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net gain/loss | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nationwide vote | 35,137,786 | 31,151,251 | 268,053 | 189,226 | 677,928 | 67,424,244 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share | 52.11% | 46.20% | 0.40% | 0.28% | 1.01% | 100% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Result | 55 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source: Web site: Statistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election of November 8, 1988 . . Clerk of the United States House of Representatives . July 2, 2014. Clerk of the United States House of Representatives .
Three Republicans and three Democrats retired instead of seeking re-election.
Three Republicans and one Democrat sought re-election but lost in the general election.
One Republican resigned on January 3, 1989, while one Democrat died on May 16, 1990. Initially, they were replaced by appointees.
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| Key |
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There were no special elections in 1988.
In these general elections, the winners were elected for the term beginning January 3, 1989; ordered by state.
All of the elections involved the Class 1 seats.
| State | Incumbent | Results | Candidates | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senator | Party | Electoral history | ||||||
| Arizona | Democratic | 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| California | Republican | 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Connecticut | Republican | 1970 1976 1982 | Incumbent lost re-election. New senator elected. Democratic gain. | nowrap | ||||
| Delaware | Republican | 1970 1971 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Florida | Democratic | 1970 1976 1982 | Incumbent retired. New senator elected. Republican gain. | nowrap | ||||
| Hawaii | Democratic | 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Indiana | Republican | 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Maine | Democratic | 1980 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Maryland | Democratic | 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Massachusetts | Democratic | 1962 1964 1970 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Michigan | Democratic | 1976 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Minnesota | Republican | 1978 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Mississippi | Democratic | 1947 1952 1958 1964 1970 1976 1982 | Incumbent retired. New senator elected. Republican gain. | nowrap | ||||
| Missouri | Republican | 1976 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Montana | Democratic | 1976 1982 | Incumbent lost re-election. New senator elected. Republican gain. | nowrap | ||||
| Nebraska | Republican | 1987 | Interim appointee lost election. New senator elected. Democratic gain. | nowrap | ||||
| Nevada | Republican | 1982 | Incumbent lost re-election. New senator elected. Democratic gain. | nowrap | ||||
| New Jersey | Democratic | 1982 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| New Mexico | Democratic | 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| New York | Democratic | 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| North Dakota | Democratic-NPL | 1960 1964 1970 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Ohio | Democratic | 1974 1974 1974 1976 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Pennsylvania | Republican | 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Rhode Island | Republican | 1976 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Tennessee | Democratic | 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Texas | Democratic | 1970 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Utah | Republican | 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Vermont | Republican | 1971 1972 1976 1982 | Incumbent retired. New senator elected. Republican hold. | nowrap | ||||
| Virginia | Republican | 1982 | Incumbent retired. New senator elected. Democratic gain. | nowrap | ||||
| Washington | Republican | 1983 1983 | Incumbent retired. New senator elected. Republican hold. | nowrap | ||||
| West Virginia | Democratic | 1958 1964 1970 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
| Wisconsin | Democratic | 1957 1958 1964 1970 1976 1982 | Incumbent retired. New senator elected. Democratic hold. | nowrap | ||||
| Wyoming | Republican | 1976 1982 | Incumbent re-elected. | nowrap | ||||
In eleven races the margin of victory was under 10%.
| State | Party of winner | Margin | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | data-sort-value=1 | Republican | 0.73% | |
| Connecticut | data-sort-value=-0.5 | Democratic (flip) | 0.77% | |
| Florida | data-sort-value=1 | Republican (flip) | 0.85% | |
| Washington | data-sort-value=1 | Republican | 2.17% | |
| Montana | data-sort-value=.5 | Republican (flip) | 3.73% | |
| Nevada | data-sort-value=-0.5 | Democratic (flip) | 4.06% | |
| Wisconsin | data-sort-value=-1 | Democratic | 4.53% | |
| Mississippi | data-sort-value=.5 | Republican (flip) | 7.82% | |
| New Jersey | data-sort-value=-1 | Democratic | 8.37% | |
| California | data-sort-value=1 | Republican | 8.79% | |
| Rhode Island | data-sort-value=1 | Republican | 9.19% |
Ohio was the tipping point state with a margin of 13.8%.
| Election Name: | Arizona election |
| Country: | Arizona |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Arizona |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Arizona |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Dennis DeConcini.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Dennis DeConcini |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 660,403 |
| Percentage1: | 56.7% |
| Nominee2: | Keith DeGreen |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 478,060 |
| Percentage2: | 41.1% |
| Map Size: | 220px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Arizona.
See also: List of United States senators from Arizona. Incumbent Democrat Dennis DeConcini was reelected to a third term over Republican Keith DeGreen, Marine veteran and financial advisor.
| Election Name: | California election |
| Country: | California |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in California |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate special election in California |
| Next Year: | 1992 (special) |
| Image1: | PeteWilson (3x4a).jpg |
| Nominee1: | Pete Wilson |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 5,143,409 |
| Percentage1: | 52.8% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 4,287,253 |
| Percentage2: | 44.0% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in California.
See also: List of United States senators from California. Incumbent Republican Pete Wilson won re-election to a second term over Democrat Leo T. McCarthy, Lieutenant Governor of California and former Speaker of the California State Assembly. As of 2020, this is the last Senate election in California won by a Republican.
| Election Name: | Connecticut election |
| Country: | Connecticut |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Connecticut |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Connecticut |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Joe Lieberman.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Joe Lieberman |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 688,499 |
| Percentage1: | 49.8% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 677,903 |
| Percentage2: | 49.0% |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Connecticut.
See also: List of United States senators from Connecticut. Incumbent Republican Lowell P. Weicker Jr. ran for re-election to a fourth term, but was defeated by Democratic candidate Joe Lieberman, the Connecticut Attorney General and eventual 2000 nominee for Vice President of the United States, who would remain in office until his retirement in 2013.
| Election Name: | Delaware election |
| Country: | Delaware |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Delaware |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Delaware |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Sen. William V. Roth (R-DE).jpg |
| Nominee1: | William Roth |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 151,115 |
| Percentage1: | 62.1% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 92,378 |
| Percentage2: | 37.9% |
| Map Size: | 200px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Delaware.
See also: List of United States senators from Delaware. Incumbent Republican William Roth won re-election to a fourth term, beating Democrat Shien Biau Woo, Lieutenant Governor of Delaware
| Election Name: | Florida election |
| Country: | Florida |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Florida |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Florida |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Conniemackiii.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Connie Mack III |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 2,051,071 |
| Percentage1: | 50.4% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 2,016,553 |
| Percentage2: | 49.6% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Florida.
See also: List of United States senators from Florida. Incumbent Democrat Lawton Chiles decided to retire instead of seeking a fourth term. Republican U.S. Representative Connie Mack III won the open seat over Democratic Congressman Buddy Mackay.
This senate election was heavily targeted by both parties. U.S. Representative Mack announced his candidacy back in October 1987.[1] President Ronald Reagan endorsed Mack in June 1988[2] to allow Mack to focus on the general election, and easily won the September 6 Republican primary against U.S. Attorney Robert Merkle.[3] In May 1988, then-Congressman MacKay announced he would run for the open seat,[4] and defeated Insurance Commissioner Bill Gunter in a close October 4 runoff election.[5]
The general election soon became nasty, with Mackay portraying Mack as "extremist."[6] Mack also attacked his opponent in television ads by connecting him to liberal Massachusetts Governor and Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis.[7] Mack had help from vice presidential candidate Dan Quayle.[8] The election was so close there was a recount until Mackay conceded eight days after election day.[9]
| Election Name: | Hawaii election |
| Country: | Hawaii |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Hawaii |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1990 United States Senate special election in Hawaii |
| Next Year: | 1990 (special) |
| Image1: | Spark Matsunaga, 1986.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Spark Matsunaga |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 247,941 |
| Percentage1: | 76.6% |
| Nominee2: | Maria Hustace |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 66,987 |
| Percentage2: | 20.7% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Hawaii.
See also: List of United States senators from Hawaii.
Incumbent Democrat Spark Matsunaga won re-election to a third term, beating Republican cattle rancher Maria Hustace.[10] [11]
| Election Name: | Indiana election |
| Country: | Indiana |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Indiana |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Indiana |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Dick Lugar official photo.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Richard Lugar |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 1,430,525 |
| Percentage1: | 68.1% |
| Nominee2: | Jack Wickes |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 668,778 |
| Percentage2: | 31.9% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Indiana.
See also: List of United States senators from Indiana.
Incumbent Republican Richard Lugar was re-elected to a third term over Democratic attorney Jack Wickes.[12] [13]
Lugar, a popular incumbent, had token opposition in this election. An April 1988 poll showed that Lugar lead 65% to 23%. By June, Lugar raised over $2 million, while Wickes raised just over $100,000.[14] Lugar agreed to debate Wickes on September 10, 1988.[15]
Lugar won overall with two-thirds of the vote and won 91 of Indiana's 92 counties, Wickes won only the Democratic stronghold of Lake County.
| Election Name: | Maine election |
| Country: | Maine |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Maine |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Maine |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | George John Mitchell.jpg |
| Nominee1: | George Mitchell |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 452,581 |
| Percentage1: | 81.3% |
| Nominee2: | Jasper Wyman |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 104,164 |
| Percentage2: | 18.7% |
| Map Size: | 220px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Maine.
See also: List of United States senators from Maine.
Incumbent Democrat George J. Mitchell won re-election to a second full term over Republican Jasper Wyman, leader of Maine Christian Civic League and businessman.[16] As of 2020, this is the last Senate election in Maine won by a Democrat.
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Maryland.
See also: List of United States senators from Maryland.
| Election Name: | Maryland election |
| Country: | Maryland |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Maryland |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Maryland |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Paul Sarbanes, official color photo.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Paul Sarbanes |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 999,166 |
| Percentage1: | 61.8% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 617,537 |
| Percentage2: | 38.2% |
| Map Size: | 275px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
Incumbent Democratic Paul Sarbanes was reelected to a third term over Republican Alan Keyes, former Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs.
| Election Name: | Massachusetts election |
| Country: | Massachusetts |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Massachusetts |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Massachusetts |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | TedKennedy.png |
| Nominee1: | Ted Kennedy |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 1,693,344 |
| Percentage1: | 65.0% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 884,267 |
| Percentage2: | 33.9% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Massachusetts.
See also: List of United States senators from Massachusetts. Incumbent Democrat Ted Kennedy won re-election to his sixth (his fifth full) term over Republican Joseph D. Malone.
| Election Name: | Michigan election |
| Country: | Michigan |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Michigan |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Michigan |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Riegle2.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Don Riegle |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 2,116,865 |
| Percentage1: | 60.4% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,348,216 |
| Percentage2: | 38.5% |
| Map Size: | 280px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Michigan.
See also: List of United States senators from Michigan. Incumbent Democrat Don Riegle won re-election to a third term over Republican U.S. Congressman James Whitney Dunn.
| Election Name: | Minnesota election |
| Country: | Minnesota |
| Flag Image: | File:Flag of Minnesota (1983-2024).svg |
| Flag Year: | 1983 |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Minnesota |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Minnesota |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | DavidDurenberger.jpg |
| Nominee1: | David Durenberger |
| Party1: | Independent-Republicans (Minnesota) |
| Popular Vote1: | 1,176,210 |
| Percentage1: | 56.2% |
| Party2: | Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (Minnesota) |
| Popular Vote2: | 856,694 |
| Percentage2: | 40.9% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Independent-Republicans (Minnesota) |
| After Party: | Independent-Republicans (Minnesota) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Minnesota.
See also: List of United States senators from Minnesota. Incumbent Republican David Durenberger won re-election to his second full term, beating Democrat Skip Humphrey, the Minnesota Attorney General and former state senator.
| Election Name: | Mississippi election |
| Country: | Mississippi |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Mississippi |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Mississippi |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Flag Year: | 1894 |
| Image1: | Trent Lott 98th Congress.png |
| Nominee1: | Trent Lott |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 510,380 |
| Percentage1: | 53.9% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 436,339 |
| Percentage2: | 46.1% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Mississippi.
See also: List of United States senators from Mississippi.
Incumbent Democrat John C. Stennis decided to retire instead of seeking an eighth term (and his seventh full term). Republican Trent Lott won the open seat, beating Democrat Wayne Dowdy, U.S. Congressman from the 4th district.
| Election Name: | Missouri election |
| Country: | Missouri |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Missouri |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Missouri |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | JohnDanforth.jpg |
| Nominee1: | John Danforth |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 1,407,416 |
| Percentage1: | 67.7% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 660,045 |
| Percentage2: | 31.8% |
| Map Size: | 255px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Missouri.
See also: List of United States senators from Missouri. Incumbent Republican John Danforth won re-election over Democratic state senator and future Governor Jay Nixon.[17]
| Election Name: | Montana election |
| Country: | Montana |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Montana |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Montana |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Conrad Burns official portrait.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Conrad Burns |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 189,445 |
| Percentage1: | 51.9% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 175,809 |
| Percentage2: | 48.1% |
| Map Size: | 300px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Montana.
See also: List of United States senators from Montana. Incumbent John Melcher, who was first elected to the Senate in 1976 and was re-elected in 1982, ran for re-election. After winning the Democratic primary, he faced Yellowstone County Commissioner Conrad Burns in the general election, and in the general election a grueling campaign followed. Ultimately, Melcher was narrowly defeated in his bid for re-election by Burns.
| Election Name: | Nebraska election |
| Country: | Nebraska |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Nebraska |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Nebraska |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | File:Bob Kerrey portrait.gif |
| Nominee1: | Bob Kerrey |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 378,717 |
| Percentage1: | 56.71% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 278,250 |
| Percentage2: | 41.66% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Nebraska.
See also: List of United States senators from Nebraska. Republican David Karnes decided to seek election to his first complete term after being appointed to the seat of the late Edward Zorinsky in March 1987, but was soundly defeated by Democratic former governor Bob Kerrey in the November general election.[18]
| Election Name: | Nevada election |
| Country: | Nevada |
| Flag Year: | 1929 |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Nevada |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Nevada |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Richard Bryan (colorized).jpg |
| Nominee1: | Richard Bryan |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 175,548 |
| Percentage1: | 50.2% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 161,336 |
| Percentage2: | 46.1% |
| Map Size: | 200px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Nevada.
See also: List of United States senators from Nevada. Incumbent Republican Chic Hecht ran for re-election to a second term, but lost to Democratic governor Richard Bryan.
| Election Name: | New Jersey election |
| Country: | New Jersey |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in New Jersey |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in New Jersey |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Frank Lautenberg 1983 congressional photo.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Frank Lautenberg |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 1,599,905 |
| Percentage1: | 53.55% |
| Nominee2: | Pete Dawkins |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,349,937 |
| Percentage2: | 45.18% |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Election: | Frank Lautenberg |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Election: | Frank Lautenberg |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Map Size: | 250px |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in New Jersey.
See also: List of United States senators from New Jersey.
Incumbent Democrat Frank Lautenberg won re-election to a second term with a margin of 8.37% over Republican Pete Dawkins, military veteran and CEO of Primerica Financial Services, Inc.
The campaign was full of political mudslinging, with Lautenberg accusing Dawkins of being a carpetbagger, noting his very brief residency in the state,[19] and also accusing Dawkins' campaign of lying about his war record.[20] Dawkins accused Lautenberg of running a smear campaign against, called him a "swamp dog",[21] and criticized him for saying he voted eight times against a senatorial pay raise without mentioning the fact that he did vote once for the pay raise.[20]
| Election Name: | New Mexico election |
| Country: | New Mexico |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in New Mexico |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in New Mexico |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Jeff-Bingaman.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Jeff Bingaman |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 321,983 |
| Percentage1: | 63.3% |
| Nominee2: | Bill Valentine |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 186,579 |
| Percentage2: | 36.7% |
| Map Size: | 200px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in New Mexico.
See also: List of United States senators from New Mexico.
Incumbent Democrat Jeff Bingaman won re-election to a second term, beating Republican New Mexico State Senator Bill Valentine.
| Election Name: | New York election |
| Country: | New York |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in New York |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in New York |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | DanielPatrickMoynihan.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Pat Moynihan |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 4,048,649 |
| Percentage1: | 67.0% |
| Nominee2: | Robert McMillan |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,875,784 |
| Percentage2: | 31.1% |
| Map Size: | 300px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in New York.
See also: List of United States senators from New York. Incumbent Democrat Daniel Patrick Moynihan won re-election to a third term, over Republican Robert R. McMillan, business executive of Avon Products and Reagan Administration advisor.[22]
| Election Name: | North Dakota election |
| Country: | North Dakota |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in North Dakota |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1992 United States Senate special election in North Dakota |
| Next Year: | 1992 (special) |
| Nominee1: | Quentin Burdick |
| Party1: | North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party |
| Popular Vote1: | 171,899 |
| Percentage1: | 59.45% |
| Nominee2: | Earl Strinden |
| Party2: | North Dakota Republican Party |
| Popular Vote2: | 112,937 |
| Percentage2: | 39.06% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Election: | Quentin Burdick |
| Posttitle: | Elected U.S. Senator |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
| After Election: | Quentin Burdick |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (United States) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in North Dakota.
See also: List of United States senators from North Dakota. The incumbent, Quentin Burdick of the North Dakota Democratic NPL Party, sought and received re-election to his sixth term, defeating Republican candidate Earl Strinden.
Only Burdick filed as a Dem-NPLer, and the endorsed Republican candidate was Earl Strinden of Grand Forks, North Dakota, who was President of the University of North Dakota Alumni Association. As in the Burdick's previous re-election campaign, the senator's age became an issue for voters as he was 80 years old during the campaign. However, challenger Strinden commented that he did not want to raise the age issue. Burdick and Strinden won the primary elections for their respective parties.
The Burdick campaign hired high-profile Washington, D.C. campaign consultant Bob Squire of Squire Eskew Communications. To counter the potential age issue, Burdick successfully focused the message on the "clout" he had earned over decades in the Senate, as well as his Chairmanship of Senate Agricultural Appropriations sub-committee and his Chairmanship of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
One independent candidate, Kenneth C. Gardner, also filed before the deadline, officially calling himself a libertarian. Gardner had previously run for North Dakota's other United States Senate seat an independent in 1974, challenging Milton Young. He only received 853 votes in that election.
| Election Name: | Ohio election |
| Country: | Ohio |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Ohio |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Ohio |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Howard Metzenbaum.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Howard Metzenbaum |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 2,480,038 |
| Percentage1: | 56.97% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,872,716 |
| Percentage2: | 42.31% |
| Map Size: | 200px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Ohio.
See also: List of United States senators from Ohio.
Incumbent Democrat Howard Metzenbaum won re-election over George Voinovich, Mayor of Cleveland and former Lieutenant Governor of Ohio.[23]
| Election Name: | Pennsylvania election |
| Country: | Pennsylvania |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1991 United States Senate special election in Pennsylvania |
| Next Year: | 1991 (special) |
| Image1: | John Heinz.jpg |
| Nominee1: | John Heinz |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 2,901,715 |
| Percentage1: | 66.5% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,416,764 |
| Percentage2: | 32.5% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Pennsylvania.
See also: List of United States senators from Pennsylvania.
Incumbent Republican H. John Heinz III successfully sought re-election to another term, defeating Democratic nominee Joe Vignola, Philadelphia City Controller.
Joe Vignola was not expected by Democratic Party leaders to have a substantial chance at defeating the popular incumbent John Heinz, even predicting that Vignola would become "Heinz's 58th variety,"[24] referring to an advertising slogan of the H. J. Heinz Company. Heinz, knowing this, ran a low-profile re-election campaign and was safely ahead in polling. Vignola traveled across Pennsylvania promoting an increase in domestic spending, including education and healthcare, while decreasing the defense budget to compensate. Vignola ran a positive campaign, in contrast with Cyril Wecht six years previously, although many Democratic ward leaders and committee members had given up on the campaign and had stopped campaigning for Vignola.[24]
Heinz easily defeated Vignola to win the election and another term in the Senate, carrying every Pennsylvania county except Philadelphia, Vignola's home town, and by a comfortable 1.49 million vote margin. Heinz performed well in suburban areas, as well as the central, southwestern and northeastern portions of the state. Outside of Philadelphia, Vignola's best county-wide showing was in Mercer County, where he won 36% of the vote, and his poorest county-wide performance was in Snyder County, where he won 12% of the vote. Although Heinz's landslide victory was largely expected among Democratic leaders, Heinz won by a wide margin despite the Democrats' 551,000-voter registration advantage statewide.[24]
Heinz died in an airplane crash on April 4, 1991, in Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania.[25] Democrat Harris Wofford was appointed on May 8 to fill the vacancy caused by Heinz's death, and subsequently won a special election in November 1991. In the 1994 election, however, Wofford was defeated by Republican Rick Santorum.[26] [27]
| Election Name: | Rhode Island election |
| Country: | Rhode Island |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Rhode Island |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Rhode Island |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | U.S. Senator John Chafee.jpg |
| Nominee1: | John Chafee |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 217,273 |
| Percentage1: | 55% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 180,717 |
| Percentage2: | 45% |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Rhode Island.
See also: List of United States senators from Rhode Island. Incumbent Republican John Chafee won re-election to a third term, beating Democratic lieutenant governor and former state senator Richard Licht.
| Election Name: | Tennessee election |
| Country: | Tennessee |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Tennessee |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Tennessee |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Jim sasser (cropped).jpg |
| Nominee1: | Jim Sasser |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 1,020,061 |
| Percentage1: | 65.09% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 541,033 |
| Percentage2: | 34.52% |
| Map Size: | 300px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Tennessee.
See also: List of United States senators from Tennessee. Incumbent Democrat Jim Sasser won re-election to a third term over Republican Bill Anderson.
| Election Name: | Texas election |
| Country: | Texas |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Texas |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1993 United States Senate special election in Texas |
| Next Year: | 1993 (special) |
| Image1: | Lloyd Bentsen, bw photo as senator.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Lloyd Bentsen |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 3,149,806 |
| Percentage1: | 59.2% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 2,129,228 |
| Percentage2: | 40.0% |
| Map Size: | 300px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Texas.
See also: List of United States senators from Texas. Incumbent Democrat Lloyd Bentsen won re-election to a fourth term defeating Republican Representative Beau Boulter.
Bentsen easily won the Democratic nomination for another term, while Boulter came through a run-off in the Republican primary defeating Wes Gilbreath. After being nominated for the senate Bentsen was chosen by Michael Dukakis as his vice-presidential running mate and therefore ran for both the Senate and the vice-presidency at the same time. Bentsen was always the favorite for the senate election and won with 59.2% of the vote, compared to 40% for Boulter.
As of 2020, this was the last time a Democrat won a United States Senate election in Texas.[28] [29]
In the Democratic primary Democratic senator Lloyd Bentsen defeated the same opponent he had beaten in 1982, Joe Sullivan, a psychology professor from San Antonio.[30]
Bentsen had been senator from Texas since first winning election in 1970 and had been re-elected in 1976 and 1982. He was also Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the clear favourite for re-election in 1988.[31] Sullivan stood on a platform calling for reduced spending by the federal government, but had been easily defeated by Bentsen in the 1982 Democratic primary.[31] This was repeated in 1988 with Bentsen winning the primary with over 80% of the vote.[30]
Four candidates competed for the Republican nomination; U.S. representative Beau Boulter, former state representative Milton Fox, millionaire Houston businessman Wes Gilbreath and businessman Ned Snead.[32] Boulter was a two-term representative for the 13th district, while Gilbreath was competing in his first election, but spent $500,000 on the primary.[33]
Wes Gilbreath led in the March primary with 36.7%, but as no candidate won a majority, went into a run-off election against Beau Boulter who came second with 30.5%.
There were few policy differences between Boulter and Gilbreath, with both candidates being conservatives who opposed abortion and called for reduced government spending.[34] Gilbreath spent about one million dollars of his money in his contest for the primary,[35] while Boulter spent about $250,000.[34] However Boulter won endorsements from many Texas Republican leaders,[35] including the candidates who had come third and fourth in the March primary, as well as from anti-abortion groups.[34]
Boulter won the April run-off for the Republican nomination with just over 60% of the vote.[34]
In July 1988 the Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis chose Lloyd Bentsen to be the Democratic vice-presidential candidate.[36] As the Texas Democrats had already had their primary for senate candidate, Bentsen could not be replaced on the ballot.[36] Bentsen was however able to run both for the Senate and for vice-president as Lyndon Johnson had gotten Texas law changed in 1960 to allow Johnson to do the same at the 1960 election.[37]
Lloyd Bentsen won the senate election by a clear margin over Beau Boulter, at the same time as he and Michael Dukakis lost the presidential race, [38] with George Bush winning Texas with 56% of the vote compared to 43% for Dukakis.[39] Bentsen's vote total in the senate election was reported to be at the time the highest vote total in any Texas statewide election.[40] Bentsen then returned to the Senate and remained until the next four years when he was appointed the Secretary of the Treasury under President Bill Clinton. Had the Dukakis–Bentsen ticket won, Bentsen would have become U.S. Vice President and forced to resign his Senate seat, which would have led to a 1990 special election. It would also have led Republican Governor Bill Clements to temporarily appoint an interim replacement.
| Election Name: | Utah election |
| Country: | Utah |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Utah |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Utah |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Orrin Hatch official photo.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Orrin Hatch |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 430,084 |
| Percentage1: | 67.13% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Nominee2: | Brian Moss |
| Popular Vote2: | 203,364 |
| Percentage2: | 31.74% |
| Map Size: | 200px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Utah.
See also: List of United States senators from Utah.
Incumbent Orrin Hatch easily won re-election to a third term over Democrat Brian Moss.
| Election Name: | Vermont election |
| Country: | Vermont |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Vermont |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Vermont |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Jim Jeffords (cropped).jpg |
| Nominee1: | Jim Jeffords |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 163,203 |
| Percentage1: | 68.0% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Nominee2: | Bill Gray |
| Popular Vote2: | 71,469 |
| Percentage2: | 29.8% |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Vermont.
See also: List of United States senators from Vermont. Incumbent Republican Robert Stafford did not run for re-election to another term in the United States Senate. Republican candidate Jim Jeffords defeated Democratic candidate Bill Gray to succeed him.
| Election Name: | Virginia election |
| Country: | Virginia |
| Type: | presidential |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Virginia |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Virginia |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Turnout: | 49.8% (voting eligible)[41] |
| Image1: | Charles Robb 1980.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Chuck Robb |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 1,474,086 |
| Percentage1: | 71.3% |
| Nominee2: | Maurice A. Dawkins |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 593,652 |
| Percentage2: | 28.7% |
| Map Size: | 300px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Virginia.
See also: List of United States senators from Virginia. Former Democratic governor Chuck Robb replaced Republican Senator Paul S. Trible Jr., who opted not to run for re-election. Robb beat Republican Maurice A. Dawkins, minister and black activist.
| Election Name: | Washington election |
| Country: | Washington |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1983 United States Senate special election in Washington |
| Previous Year: | 1983 (special) |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Washington |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Slade Gorton, official Senate photo portrait.jpg |
| Nominee1: | Slade Gorton |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 944,359 |
| Percentage1: | 51.1% |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 904,183 |
| Percentage2: | 48.9% |
| Map Size: | 250px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Washington.
See also: List of United States senators from Washington.
Incumbent Republican Daniel J. Evans decided to retire instead of running for re-election to a full term, after being appointed to the seat in 1983, and won election to a partial term that same year. Republican former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton, who had just lost a re-election bid in 1986, won the open seat over congressman Mike Lowry.[42]
| Election Name: | West Virginia election |
| Country: | West Virginia |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in West Virginia |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in West Virginia |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | Robert Byrd official portrait (cropped).jpg |
| Nominee1: | Robert Byrd |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 410,983 |
| Percentage1: | 64.8% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 223,564 |
| Percentage2: | 31.0% |
| Map Size: | 235px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in West Virginia.
See also: List of United States senators from West Virginia.
Incumbent Democrat Robert Byrd won re-election to a sixth term over Republican, State Senator Jay Wolfe.[43]
| Election Name: | Wisconsin election |
| Country: | Wisconsin |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Wisconsin |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Wisconsin |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Nominee1: | Herb Kohl |
| Party1: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 1,128,625 |
| Percentage1: | 52.1% |
| Party2: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 1,030,440 |
| Percentage2: | 47.6% |
| Map Size: | 220px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
| After Party: | Democratic Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Wisconsin.
See also: List of United States senators from Wisconsin. Incumbent Democrat William Proxmire decided to retire, instead of running for re-election to a sixth full term. Democratic businessman Herb Kohl won the open seat, beating Republican state senator Susan Engeleiter.
| Election Name: | Wyoming election |
| Country: | Wyoming |
| Type: | presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1982 United States Senate election in Wyoming |
| Previous Year: | 1982 |
| Next Election: | 1994 United States Senate election in Wyoming |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
| Image1: | malcolmwallop.JPG |
| Nominee1: | Malcolm Wallop |
| Party1: | Republican Party (US) |
| Popular Vote1: | 91,143 |
| Percentage1: | 50.37% |
| Nominee2: | John P. Vinich |
| Party2: | Democratic Party (US) |
| Popular Vote2: | 89,821 |
| Percentage2: | 49.64% |
| Map Size: | 220px |
| U.S. Senator | |
| Before Party: | Republican Party (US) |
| After Party: | Republican Party (US) |
See main article: 1988 United States Senate election in Wyoming.
See also: List of United States senators from Wyoming. Incumbent Republican Malcolm Wallop ran for re-election to a fourth term, and was narrowly re-elected, defeating the Democratic state senator John Vinich by a margin of a little over 1,300 votes.[44]
Despite being a reliably Republican state, Vinich, a Democrat, was able to impressively compete with Wallop. During the campaign, Wallop attacked Vinich as being a tax-and-spend liberal who was beholden to labor and anti-business.[44] Vinich, in turn, cited his "A" score he got from the National Rifle Association of America due to his votes in the Wyoming Legislature to counter Wallop's attacks, and possibly attract conservative voters.[44]