The State of Washington was won by Democratic Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, who was running against incumbent Republican Vice President George H. W. Bush of Texas.

This made Washington one of ten states (along with the District of Columbia) to vote for Dukakis, even as Bush won a convincing victory nationally.

In 1976, moderate Republican Gerald Ford had carried Washington state 50–46, while winning King County 51–45.

The Democratic dominance in King County that began in 1988 would solidify Washington as a strong blue state in the modern era.

In the eight presidential elections since 1988, no Republican candidate has replicated the percentages of the vote received by George H.W.

Bush in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, Island, Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, or Thurston counties.