Senators were elected over a wide range of time throughout 1886 and 1887, and a seat may have been filled months late or remained vacant due to legislative deadlock.

Once that vacancy was filled, Republicans maintained control as the single Readjuster senator caucused with them.

Arthur Pue Gorman won re-election for an unknown margin of votes for the Class 1 seat.

The incumbent U.S. senator Warner Miller (Half-Breed faction) failed to be nominated by only four votes.

On the next ballot Hiscock received one vote more than Miller (47 to 46), but was one short of the previously established majority of 48.

Thus, by blocking Miller's re-election, the Republican boss Thomas C. Platt took his revenge for his defeat at the special election in 1881.

The Democratic caucus nominated Smith Mead Weed (1834-1920), a lawyer and businessman of Plattsburgh, New York.