1988Final results
1988 election for President in California
President · California
George H.w. Bush (R) won with 51.1% of the vote, defeating Michael Dukakis (D) by 3.6 points.
George H.w. BushRepublican · winner
51.1%5,054,917
Michael DukakisDemocrat
47.6%4,702,233
Ronald ""ron"" PaulLibertarian
0.7%70,105
Lenora FulaniIndependent
0.6%58,999
9,887,065 votes
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 1988
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The candidates
George H.w. Bush (R)Michael Dukakis (D)
Also on the ballot: Ronald ""ron"" Paul (Libertarian), 0.7%; Lenora Fulani (Independent), 0.6%