US 1988 Presidential Election
United States presidential election held November 1988. George H.W. Bush defeated Michael Dukakis, continuing twelve years of Republican presidency.
US 1988 Presidential Election is one of the tracked elections shaping power in United States.
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Country context
Open United States to connect this election to institutions, leadership, and the broader national sequence.
Winner profile
Jump from the result to George H.W. Bush's political profile, offices, and related entities.
Candidate field
Follow the 2 linked candidates and compare who contested this race.
Election Result
Clear outcome summary for this recorded election.
Bush won a decisive victory running on Reagan's legacy, carrying 40 states. Dukakis struggled with attacks on his record and the perception of being too liberal.
U.S. Presidential Macro-Region Board
High-level regional outcome preview. Not precinct or county reporting.
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At a Glance
The US 1988 Presidential Election took place in 1988 in United States. The election determined who would hold the office of President of the United States.
George H.W. Bush won the election. Voter turnout was reported at 50.2%, giving a sense of how many people took part in the contest. 2 candidates contested the election: George H.W. Bush and Michael Dukakis.
Election Snapshot
- Status
- Recorded
- Election Year
- 1988
- Country
- United States
- Office Contested
- President of the United States
- Winner
- George H.W. Bush
- Turnout
- 50.2%
- Candidates
- 2
- Linked Offices
- 0
Result Overview
Bush won a decisive victory running on Reagan's legacy, carrying 40 states. Dukakis struggled with attacks on his record and the perception of being too liberal.
Quick Facts
- Won by George H.W. Bush
- Voter turnout: 50.2%
- 2 candidates tracked
Details
- election year
- 1988
- office contested
- President of the United States
Country Context
This election is connected to United States. Use the country page to follow broader institutions, offices, and election history.
Candidates
Politicians directly connected to this election through the graph.
Next To Explore
United States
Federal presidential constitutional republic in North America. Power is divided across the presidency, Congress, the states, and the federal courts. National politics is dominated by the Democratic and Republican parties, but third parties and independents still shape the broader system.
George H.W. Bush
41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993. Former CIA director and vice president who led during the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War.
Michael Dukakis
Governor of Massachusetts and 1988 Democratic presidential nominee defeated by George H.W. Bush.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who won the US 1988 Presidential Election?
- The US 1988 Presidential Election was won by George H.W. Bush. George H.W. Bush ran as the candidate of Republican Party.
- Who came second in the US 1988 Presidential Election?
- The runner-up in the US 1988 Presidential Election was Michael Dukakis. The contest between George H.W. Bush and Michael Dukakis defined the central dynamics of this election.
- What was the voter turnout for the US 1988 Presidential Election?
- Voter turnout for the US 1988 Presidential Election was 50.2%. Turnout levels reflect public engagement with the democratic process and can be influenced by factors such as voter registration requirements, election accessibility, the competitiveness of the race, and public trust in political institutions.
- When did the US 1988 Presidential Election take place?
- The US 1988 Presidential Election took place in 1988. Electoral timing in United States is governed by constitutional requirements and may be influenced by the political circumstances of the moment.
- What offices were contested in the US 1988 Presidential Election?
- The US 1988 Presidential Election determined who would hold the office of President of the United States. The powers and responsibilities of this office make the election significant for the country's governance and policy direction.
- Which country held the US 1988 Presidential Election?
- The US 1988 Presidential Election was held in United States. The country's electoral system, political culture, and institutional framework shaped how the election was conducted and what the results mean for governance.
- Who were the candidates in the US 1988 Presidential Election?
- 2 candidates participated in the US 1988 Presidential Election, including George H.W. Bush, Michael Dukakis. The field of candidates reflects the political landscape and the range of options available to voters.
- What was the outcome of the US 1988 Presidential Election?
- Bush won a decisive victory running on Reagan's legacy, carrying 40 states. Dukakis struggled with attacks on his record and the perception of being too liberal.
Connections
Candidates
George H.W. Bush
41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993. Former CIA director and vice president who led during the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War.
Michael Dukakis
Governor of Massachusetts and 1988 Democratic presidential nominee defeated by George H.W. Bush.
Trust & Coverage
- Page Type
- Election dashboard
- Last Updated
- March 21, 2026
- Sources
- Graph-backed
- Data Coverage
- Comprehensive(75/100)
Recorded outcomes appear only where winner and result metadata have been seeded or imported.
Upcoming elections may already show offices and linked candidates before final result data exists.
You Might Also Explore
United States
Federal presidential constitutional republic in North America. Power is divided across the presidency, Congress, the states, and the federal courts. National politics is dominated by the Democratic and Republican parties, but third parties and independents still shape the broader system.
George H.W. Bush
41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993. Former CIA director and vice president who led during the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War.
Michael Dukakis
Governor of Massachusetts and 1988 Democratic presidential nominee defeated by George H.W. Bush.