Elections / 1988 · Senate · CA
California — 1988 U.S. Senate election
Recent presidential results
Akashic1988 · U.S. SenateCalifornia · U.S. SenatePete WilsonR+8.8
Candidates
Statewide candidate totals — MIT Election Data + Science Lab, 1988 Senate returns.
- Pete Wilson✓(i)Republican5,143,40952.8%
- Leo McCarthyDemocrat4,287,25344.0%
- M. Elizabeth MunozPeace And Freedom166,6001.7%
- Jack DeanLibertarian79,9970.8%
- Merton D. ShortIndependent66,2880.7%
presidential baselinePresident 1988R+3.6Senate 1988R+8.8vs. baselineR+5.2
California's 1988 Senate race ran 5.2 points more Republican than the presidential race on the same ballot.
California's Senate margins
Every contest in our store, 1976–2024
| Year | Margin (D minus R) |
|---|---|
| 1976 | −3.3% |
| 1980 | +19.4% |
| 1982 | −6.8% |
| 1986 | +1.4% |
| 1988 | −8.8% |
| 1992 | +4.9% |
| 1994 | +1.9% |
| 1998 | +10.0% |
| 2000 | +19.3% |
| 2004 | +19.9% |
| 2006 | +24.4% |
| 2010 | +10.0% |
| 2012 | +25.0% |
| 2016 | +100.0% |
| 2018 | +100.0% |
| 2022 | +22.1% |
| 2024 | +17.7% |
Same ballot, 1988CA
Source. MIT Election Data + Science Lab — 1988 US Senate returns, party-classified by literal ballot party · certified statewide totals. Real returns — nothing estimated.