1988Final results
1988 election for President in Illinois
President · Illinois
George H.w. Bush (R) won with 50.7% of the vote, defeating Michael Dukakis (D) by 2.1 points.
George H.w. BushRepublican · winner
50.7%2,310,939
Michael DukakisDemocrat
48.6%2,215,940
Ronald ""ron"" PaulLibertarian
0.3%14,944
Lenora FulaniOther party
0.2%10,276
Edward WinnIndependent
0.2%7,021
4,559,120 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), 0.3%; Lenora Fulani (Other party), 0.2%; Edward Winn (Independent), 0.2%