Elections were held in 32 of the state senate's 50 districts.

A statewide map of the 50 state Senate districts in the 1887 elections is provided by the Iowa General Assembly here.

The general election took place on November 8, 1887.

To claim control of the chamber from Republicans, the Democrats needed to net 7 Senate seats.

Republicans maintained control of the Iowa State Senate following the 1887 general election with the balance of power shifting to Republicans holding 32 seats, Democrats having 16 seats, and two Independents (a net gain of 1 seat for Republicans and 2 seats for Independents).