1988Final results
1988 election for President in Rhode Island
President · Rhode Island
Michael Dukakis (D) won with 55.6% of the vote, defeating George H.w. Bush (R) by 11.7 points.
Michael DukakisDemocrat · winner
55.6%225,123
George H.w. BushRepublican
43.9%177,761
Ronald ""ron"" PaulLibertarian
0.2%825
Lenora FulaniOther party
0.1%280
Lewin Herberg G.Peace and Freedom
0.0%195
David DukeOther party
0.0%159
James ""mac"" WarrenSocialist Workers
0.0%130
Willa KenoyerSocialist
0.0%96
404,622 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
Michael Dukakis (D)George H.w. Bush (R)
Also on the ballot: Ronald ""ron"" Paul (Libertarian), 0.2%; Lenora Fulani (Other party), 0.1%; Lewin Herberg G. (Peace and Freedom), 0.0%; David Duke (Other party), 0.0%; James ""mac"" Warren (Socialist Workers), 0.0%; Willa Kenoyer (Socialist), 0.0%