1988Final results
1988 election for President in South Carolina
President · South Carolina
George H.w. Bush (R) won with 61.5% of the vote, defeating Michael Dukakis (D) by 23.9 points.
George H.w. BushRepublican · winner
61.5%606,443
Michael DukakisDemocrat
37.6%370,554
Ronald ""ron"" PaulLibertarian
0.5%4,935
Lenora FulaniUnited Citizens
0.4%4,077
986,009 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), 0.5%; Lenora Fulani (United Citizens), 0.4%