1988 United States Senate election in California

The 1988 United States Senate election in California took place on November 8, 1988. Incumbent Senator Pete Wilson won re-election to a second term.

As of 2024, this is the last time a Republican won a U.S. Senate election in California. This was also the first time since 1952 that an incumbent Senator was re-elected to this seat.

Candidates

 * John Hancock Abbott, perennial candidate
 * Robert John Banuelos, candidate for Senate in 1986
 * Charles Greene, candidate for Senate in 1986 and Los Angeles County Sheriff in 1982
 * Leo T. McCarthy, Lieutenant Governor of California and former Speaker of the California State Assembly

Candidates

 * Gloria Garcia, nominee for California Secretary of State in 1986
 * Maria Elizabeth Muñoz, Chicana activist and nominee for Governor in 1986

Candidates

 * Joel Britton (Independent)
 * Jack Dean (Libertarian)
 * Leo T. McCarthy, Lieutenant Governor of California and former Speaker of the California State Assembly (Democratic)
 * Maria Elizabeth Muñoz, Chicana activist and nominee for Governor in 1986 (Peace and Freedom)
 * Merton D. Short (American Independent)
 * Pete Wilson, incumbent Senator (Republican)