1988Final results
1988 election for New York Senate District 5
New York State Senate · New York
Ralph J. Marino (R) won with 65.5% of the vote, defeating Robert M. Machida (D) by 33.7 points.
Ralph J. MarinoRepublican · winner · incumbent
65.5%73,617
Robert M. MachidaDemocrat
31.8%35,726
Pamela M. WatsonRight to Life
1.9%2,176
William GibbonsLibertarian
0.7%811
112,330 votes
Source: Harvard Dataverse / Carl KlarnerUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:29 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 1988
Races before and after
Source: Harvard Dataverse / Carl KlarnerUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:29 AM ET
The candidates
Ralph J. Marino (R)Robert M. Machida (D)
Also on the ballot: Pamela M. Watson (Right to Life), 1.9%; William Gibbons (Libertarian), 0.7%