Melvin Price Democratic Jerry Costello Democratic A special election to the United States House of Representatives for Illinois's 21st congressional district was held August 9, 1988.

The winning candidate would serve briefly in the United States House of Representatives to represent Illinois in the 100th Congress until the General election on November 8, 1988.

On April 22, 1988, Incumbent U.S. Representative Melvin Price died of cancer after 22 terms.

[1] A special election was held to fill the vacancy caused by his death.