In spite of the Republican victory by George H. W. Bush in the presidential election, the Democrats gained a net of 1 seat in the Senate.

Lowell P. Weicker Jr. Republican Joe Lieberman Democratic Incumbent Republican Lowell P. Weicker Jr. ran for re-election to a fourth term, but was defeated by Democratic candidate Joe Lieberman, the Connecticut Attorney General and eventual 2000 nominee for Vice President of the United States, who would remain in office until his retirement in 2013.

Republican U.S. Representative Connie Mack III won the open seat over Democratic Congressman Buddy Mackay.

[7] In May 1988, then-Congressman MacKay announced he would run for the open seat,[8] and defeated Insurance Commissioner Bill Gunter in a close October 4 runoff election.

"[10] Mack also attacked his opponent in television ads by connecting him to liberal Massachusetts Governor and Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis.

Republican Trent Lott won the open seat, beating Democrat Wayne Dowdy, U.S.

David Karnes Republican Bob Kerrey Democratic Republican David Karnes decided to seek election to his first complete term after being appointed to the seat of the late Edward Zorinsky in March 1987, but was soundly defeated by Democratic former governor Bob Kerrey in the November general election.

Gardner had previously run for North Dakota's other United States Senate seat an independent in 1974, challenging Milton Young.

Heinz, knowing this, ran a low-profile re-election campaign and was safely ahead in polling.

Vignola traveled across Pennsylvania promoting an increase in domestic spending, including education and healthcare, while decreasing the defense budget to compensate.

Heinz performed well in suburban areas, as well as the central, southwestern and northeastern portions of the state.

[41] Heinz died in an airplane crash on April 4, 1991, in Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania.

[42] Democrat Harris Wofford was appointed on May 8 to fill the vacancy caused by Heinz's death, and subsequently won a special election in November 1991.

Bentsen easily won the Democratic nomination for another term, while Boulter came through a run-off in the Republican primary defeating Wes Gilbreath.

[48] Sullivan stood on a platform calling for reduced spending by the federal government, but had been easily defeated by Bentsen in the 1982 Democratic primary.

[50] Boulter was a two-term representative for the 13th district, while Gilbreath was competing in his first election, but spent $500,000 on the primary.

[51] Wes Gilbreath led in the March primary with 36.7%, but as no candidate won a majority, went into a run-off election against Beau Boulter who came second with 30.5%.

[49] There were few policy differences between Boulter and Gilbreath, with both candidates being conservatives who opposed abortion and called for reduced government spending.

[52] However Boulter won endorsements from many Texas Republican leaders,[53] including the candidates who had come third and fourth in the March primary, as well as from anti-abortion groups.

[58] Bentsen then returned to the Senate and remained until the next four years when he was appointed the Secretary of the Treasury under President Bill Clinton.

Had the Dukakis–Bentsen ticket won, Bentsen would have become U.S. Vice President and forced to resign his Senate seat, which would have led to a 1990 special election.

It would also have led Republican Governor Bill Clements to temporarily appoint an interim replacement.

Senator Slade Gorton, who had just lost a re-election bid in 1986, won the open seat over congressman Mike Lowry.

Democratic businessman Herb Kohl won the open seat, beating Republican state senator Susan Engeleiter.

[68] Vinich, in turn, cited his "A" score he got from the National Rifle Association of America due to his votes in the Wyoming Legislature to counter Wallop's attacks, and possibly attract conservative voters.