Elections are listed by date and district.

Incumbent Democrat Sala Burton died of colorectal cancer on February 1, 1987, triggering a special election.

A nonpartisan blanket special primary was held on April 7, 1987, featuring over a dozen candidates, including Nancy Pelosi, Harry Britt, and Carol Ruth Silver.

As no candidate won over 50% of the vote, a run-off was held on June 2, 1987.

Democrat Nancy Pelosi won the election with 63% of the vote.