1988 United States Senate election in Nebraska

1988 United States Senate election in Nebraska
	November 8, 1988
	County results; Kerrey: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80%; Karnes: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80%; Tie: 40–50%
U.S. senator before election; David Karnes; Republican	Elected U.S. Senator ; Bob Kerrey; Democratic

The 1988 United States Senate election in Nebraska was held on November 8, 1988 to select the U.S. Senator from the state. Incumbent Republican Senator David Karnes, who was appointed to the Senate in 1987 upon the death of Democratic Senator Edward Zorinsky, sought election to his first full term. After beating back a challenge from Congressman Hal Daub in the Republican primary, Karnes advanced to the general election, where he faced former Governor Bob Kerrey, the Democratic nominee. Though Vice President George H. W. Bush, the Republican nominee for President, won Nebraska in a landslide, Karnes was ultimately defeated by Kerrey by a wide margin. This is the last time a Senator from Nebraska lost re-election.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Bob Kerrey, former Governor of Nebraska
Ken L. Michaelis, disbarred attorney, 1986 Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor^[1]

Results

Democratic primary results^[2]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Bob Kerrey	156,498	91.43%
	Democratic	Ken L. Michaelis	14,248	8.32%
	Democratic	Write-ins	423	0.25%
Total votes			171,169	100.00%

Republican primary

Candidates

David Karnes, incumbent Senator
Hal Daub, U.S. Representative from Nebraska's 2nd congressional district

Results

Republican primary results^[2]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	David Karnes (inc.)	117,439	54.82%
	Republican	Hal Daub	96,436	45.02%
	Republican	Write-ins	350	0.16%
Total votes			214,225	100.00%

General election

1988 United States Senate election in Nebraska^[2]
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Bob Kerrey	378,717	56.71%	−9.88%
	Republican	David Karnes (inc.)	278,250	41.66%	+13.12%
	New Alliance	Ernie Chambers	10,372	1.55%	—
	Write-in		521	0.08%	—
Majority			100,467	15.04%	−23.00%
Total votes			667,860	100.00%
	Democratic gain from Republican

References

^ "Kerrey Begins Airing Series of TV Ads". Omaha World-Herald. Omaha, Nebraska. April 27, 1988. p. 28. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
^ ^a ^b ^c Beermann, Allen J. (1986). Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska (PDF).

[1] "Kerrey Begins Airing Series of TV Ads". Omaha World-Herald. Omaha, Nebraska. April 27, 1988. p. 28. Retrieved February 23, 2025.

[results-2] Beermann, Allen J. (1986). Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska (PDF).

[1]

[2]

(1986 ←) 1988 United States elections (→ 1990)
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Democratic primary

Candidates

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

Results

General election

See also

References