1988 United States presidential election — 51st quadrennial U.S. presidential election
George H. W. Bush defeated Michael Dukakis in a decisive Electoral College victory, making him the first sitting vice president elected president since 1836.
Key Facts
- Winner
- George H. W. Bush (Republican)
- Election date
- November 8, 1988
- Consecutive Republican landslides
- 3rd in a row
- States won by Bush
- 40 or more (most recent candidate to do so)
- Electoral votes threshold
- Last election with winner exceeding 400 electoral votes
- Incumbent on ballot
- First election without one since 1968
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
President Ronald Reagan was constitutionally barred from seeking a third term under the 22nd Amendment, opening the race. Vice President Bush emerged as the Republican front-runner, while the Democratic field narrowed after Gary Hart withdrew and Ted Kennedy declined to run, leaving Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis as the nominee.
On November 8, 1988, Republican ticket George H. W. Bush and Dan Quayle defeated Democrat Michael Dukakis and Lloyd Bentsen. Bush campaigned on economic strength and continuity with Reagan policies, attacked Dukakis effectively on crime and ideology, overcame an early polling deficit after the Republican National Convention, and won decisive margins in both the popular vote and Electoral College.
Bush became the first sitting vice president elected president since Martin Van Buren in 1836. The election marked the third consecutive Republican presidential landslide and the last time any candidate won more than 400 electoral votes or carried 40 or more states, as of 2026. It was also the last time the outgoing president's party retained the White House in an open-seat election.
Political Outcome
Republican George H. W. Bush won the presidency, defeating Democrat Michael Dukakis by winning 40+ states and over 400 electoral votes.
Ronald Reagan (Republican) as President
George H. W. Bush (Republican) as President-elect