1988 Illinois's 21st congressional district special election

A special election to the United States House of Representatives for Illinois's 21st congressional district was held August 9, 1988.

The winning candidate would serve briefly in the United States House of Representatives to represent Illinois in the 100th Congress until the General election on November 8, 1988.

Background
On April 22, 1988, Incumbent U.S. Representative Melvin Price died of cancer after 22 terms. A special election was held to fill the vacancy caused by his death.

Nominee

 * Jerry Costello, St. Clair County Board chairman

Eliminated in Primary

 * Pete Fields, former Madison County Auditor and candidate for this seat in 1986
 * Mike Mansfield, political activist
 * Steve Maragides, political activist

Nominee

 * Robert Gaffner, nominee for this seat in 1982, 1984, and 1986 and candidate for Illinois's 24th congressional district in 1972